Post by Onyango Oloo on Oct 1, 2005 21:04:57 GMT 3
Kenya, China consolidate relations in trade
(Xinhua)
www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-10/01/content_482302.htm
Updated: 2005-10-01 09:25
NAIROBI: Kenya and China are further consolidating their bilateral ties and cooperation, especially in areas of trade and cultural exchange, officials said in Kenyan capital Nairobi Friday.
During the past two and half years since President Mwai Kibaki took office, China and Kenya have further expanded cooperation and signed many agreements in fields of economy, tourism and education, which laid a solid foundation for development, said Guo Chongli, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, when addressing the reception held by the Chinese embassy to mark the October 1 National Day of China.
"This year the Sino-Kenyan economic relations have been further strengthened, as the volume of Sino-Kenyan trade increased over 45 percent as compared with last year," said Guo, adding that the coming Chinese Export Commodities Fair in Guangzhou has attracted many Kenyan businessmen, with the largest group of more than 900 people.
Speaking at the reception, Kenyan Minister for Lands and Housing Amos M.Kimunya said that the volume of trade between Kenya and China has grown steadily over the years.
However, he said, the balance of trade is in favor of China. Therefore, Kenya should explore ways to address this deficit through diversification of exports including value added products.
Both Guo and Kimunya agreed that frequent exchange of high- level visits between the two countries in recent years was a further boost to bilateral relations. These visits, said Guo, especially President Kibaki's first visit to China in August, have proven fruitful and will inject new vitality into cooperation in many areas.
As a result of Kibaki's visit, Kenyan Airways will open direct flight to Guangzhou, a big commercial city in southern China, in October.
According to Kimunya, since Kenya was granted the approved tourist destination status by China two years ago, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals has doubled from 4,800 to 9,000 and continues to rise.
In addition, said Kimunya, the annual provision of scholarships for Kenyan students in various Chinese institutions not only help the personal advancement of the immediate beneficiaries, but also enable them to contribute to Kenya's national development efforts.
"I'm convinced that such exchanges consolidate bilateral relations in all aspects," he said.
(Xinhua)
www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-10/01/content_482302.htm
Updated: 2005-10-01 09:25
NAIROBI: Kenya and China are further consolidating their bilateral ties and cooperation, especially in areas of trade and cultural exchange, officials said in Kenyan capital Nairobi Friday.
During the past two and half years since President Mwai Kibaki took office, China and Kenya have further expanded cooperation and signed many agreements in fields of economy, tourism and education, which laid a solid foundation for development, said Guo Chongli, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, when addressing the reception held by the Chinese embassy to mark the October 1 National Day of China.
"This year the Sino-Kenyan economic relations have been further strengthened, as the volume of Sino-Kenyan trade increased over 45 percent as compared with last year," said Guo, adding that the coming Chinese Export Commodities Fair in Guangzhou has attracted many Kenyan businessmen, with the largest group of more than 900 people.
Speaking at the reception, Kenyan Minister for Lands and Housing Amos M.Kimunya said that the volume of trade between Kenya and China has grown steadily over the years.
However, he said, the balance of trade is in favor of China. Therefore, Kenya should explore ways to address this deficit through diversification of exports including value added products.
Both Guo and Kimunya agreed that frequent exchange of high- level visits between the two countries in recent years was a further boost to bilateral relations. These visits, said Guo, especially President Kibaki's first visit to China in August, have proven fruitful and will inject new vitality into cooperation in many areas.
As a result of Kibaki's visit, Kenyan Airways will open direct flight to Guangzhou, a big commercial city in southern China, in October.
According to Kimunya, since Kenya was granted the approved tourist destination status by China two years ago, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals has doubled from 4,800 to 9,000 and continues to rise.
In addition, said Kimunya, the annual provision of scholarships for Kenyan students in various Chinese institutions not only help the personal advancement of the immediate beneficiaries, but also enable them to contribute to Kenya's national development efforts.
"I'm convinced that such exchanges consolidate bilateral relations in all aspects," he said.