NAIROBI, April 27 (Xinhua) — Kenya hosted a high-level symposium on Monday to strategize on maximizing China’s zero-tariff policy, a move seen as a major milestone in strengthening economic and trade ties between the two countries.
The event, themed “Zero Tariffs, Infinite Opportunities,” brought together government officials, enterprise leaders, and business associations from both China and Kenya to discuss the effective implementation of the policy, which is set to take effect on May 1.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said all parties agreed that the zero-tariff policy is a significant milestone in upgrading China-Kenya economic and trade cooperation, noting that by reducing institutional costs, the zero-tariff policy has significantly enhanced the competitiveness of Kenyan products in the Chinese market.
Guo said that the policy is a practical action taken by China to support Africa’s industrialization, agricultural modernization, and regional integration, which will contribute to industrial development and employment growth and enhance Kenya’s capacity for self-development.
“We look forward to both sides taking the zero-tariff policy as an opportunity to further deepen our industrial alignment, promote the entry of more high-quality Kenyan products into the Chinese market, and share the vast opportunities brought by China’s vast market,” Guo added.
Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, principal secretary at Kenya’s State Department for Foreign Affairs, said in a speech read on his behalf by Josphat Maikara, director general for political and diplomatic affairs at the State Department for Foreign Affairs, that the zero-tariff agreement is a landmark framework that will not only boost bilateral trade and investment for mutual benefit but also serve as a blueprint for other African countries.
Regina Akoth Ombam, principal secretary of the State Department for Trade, said in a speech read on her behalf by Boru Diba Roba, assistant director of the State Department for Trade, that as bilateral relations continue to grow, Kenya is working to expand its exports to the Chinese market, particularly in agricultural products and minerals.
Roba added that the effective implementation of the zero-tariff policy is not only crucial for both countries but also stands as a strong example of the joint implementation of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation outcomes and WTO compliance.
Enos Njeru, chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency, described the zero-tariff policy as a major breakthrough that will increase both the volume and value of Kenyan tea exports to China.
He also emphasized the need for partnerships in research and development to diversify tea products for the Chinese market. ■
