Scene from the "China (Chongqing)-Kenya Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting."(Photo /Ye Qiao)
On March 27, the China (Chongqing)-Kenya Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting was successfully held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Over 200 representatives from government, business, industry associations, and media sectors from both sides gathered at the event, signing eight projects with approximately RMB 2.8 billion (USD 385.56 million). These projects span automobile procurement, trade services, factory investments, and industrial park construction.
Hu Henghua, Mayor of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, said that Chongqing, as the only municipality directly under the central government in western China and a national central city, plays a unique and vital role in regional development and the country’s opening-up strategy. He emphasized Kenya’s status as a key partner for Chongqing in Africa, noting the deepening cultural exchanges and strengthening economic ties in recent years. Hu described the meeting as an opportunity to enhance mutual understanding, identify partners, and expand market opportunities. Chongqing, he said, is committed to collaborating with Kenyan stakeholders to advance infrastructure connectivity, boost bilateral trade and investment, and foster cultural integration. He expressed confidence that implementing these projects would inject new momentum into Kenya’s socio-economic development and further solidify the China-Kenya Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Guo Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat, highlighted that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the inaugural year for implementing outcomes from the FOCAC Beijing Summit. China, she said, is ready to collaborate on modernization efforts and support African nations, including Kenya, in accelerating industrialization and agricultural modernization.
Zhang Yongwu, Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, elaborated on Chongqing’s strategic advantages in geography, logistics, industry, business environment, and market potential. He proposed measures to expand bilateral trade and enhance two-way investment, earning widespread praise from attendees for his comprehensive and pragmatic recommendations.
Hon. Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, delivered a keynote speech on Kenya-China relations, Kenya’s trade and investment environment, and global market access. He reaffirmed Kenya’s openness to foreign investment and its commitment to fostering sustainable development and profitability, stressing the government’s continued prioritization of partnerships and cooperation with China.
Group photo of attendees at the "China (Chongqing)-Kenya Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting."(Photo /Ye Qiao)
2025 marks the 62nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Kenya, a pivotal year for advancing bilateral ties. During the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping proposed elevating bilateral relations with all African diplomatic partners to a strategic level and positioning China-Africa relations as an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Under this new framework, both sides aim to deepen FOCAC's outcomes and align the Belt and Road Initiative with Kenya’s Big Four agenda. Such economic and trade exchanges are expected to further consolidate cooperation.