Kenya eyes Hong Kong market to bolster trade, improve export earnings

Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (Keproba) is spearheading a strategic initiative to tap into the lucrative export market in Hong Kong, which holds promising prospects for local products.

Floice Mukabana, Keproba’s CEO said the agency is committed to stepping up marketing efforts to bolster Kenya’s trade with Asia, with a special focus on Hong Kong and called on the business community in the country to also step up efforts.

She said Hong Kong is one of Kenya’s emerging export markets, recording a notable increase in bilateral trade activities over the last few years. Mukabana made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by Director of Corporate Strategy, Planning, Risk and Quality Assurance, Celestine Rono during a business seminar hosted by Hong Kong Trade Development Council in Mombasa. She noted that Hong Kong is a key market that is fast rising, with a wide-ranging potential to absorb Kenyan products.

“In addition, Hong Kong’s role as a re-export hub positions it as a strategic trade partner for Kenya in Asia, further underlining the significance of strengthening trade and economic ties between our two countries,” the CEO stated.

While acknowledging the setback that came with the onset of COVID-19, Mukabana noted that the situation provided an opportunity to diversify and leverage priority sectors where demand is growing such as “Black tea, macadamia nuts, vegetables, avocadoes and fish.”

In light of the above she disclosed that the agency is keen on enhancing Kenya’s ability to showcase its exports, grow market linkages and create awareness of her key products including but not limited to tea, coffee, cut flowers, meat and fresh avocados. Mukabana noted that fresh horticulture exports from Kenya have played a critical role over the past 50 years and placed Kenya on the global map.

“Avocados for instance have recently become a significant export from Kenya, as Kenya is now among the largest producers and exporters of Avocados in Africa,” she added.

Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Chairman James Mureu who is also the past Chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mombasa asked stakeholders to read from the Hong Kong template and turn around Kenya’s landscape economy wise.