NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has recorded a major milestone in its trade relations with China after the first consignments of Kenyan products entered the Chinese market under Beijing’s new zero-tariff policy.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan announced that 6.9 tonnes of fresh Kenyan avocados arrived at Guangzhou Port on May 1, while 320 tonnes of Kenyan crude avocado oil docked at Dalian Port on May 9.
The shipments form part of the inaugural batch of Kenyan exports to China under the zero-tariff arrangement aimed at boosting trade between the two countries.
The exports were officially flagged off on March 24 at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in Nairobi by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Kenya’s Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki.
Besides avocados and avocado oil, the first consignment also included hides and skins, coffee and green beans among other products.
The new zero-tariff policy is expected to provide Kenyan exporters with easier access to the vast Chinese market while enhancing the competitiveness of Kenyan agricultural products.
Kenya has in recent years intensified efforts to expand exports to China, particularly in the agricultural sector, as the government seeks to narrow the trade imbalance between the two countries.
The entry of Kenyan avocados and related products into China under preferential terms is also expected to benefit local farmers and exporters through increased demand and improved market opportunities.
China remains one of Kenya’s key trading partners and financiers of major infrastructure projects, including the SGR.
