China set to import more from Kenya

A delegation from China has expressed interest in importing more avocados, pyrethrum, tea and vegetable products from Kenya. 

The 90-member delegation that include investors and government officials from Shandong province, identified Nakuru as one of the counties they were keen to partner with.

Shandong is one of the largest agricultural provinces in China with a population of 105 million people, 137 counties and 16 cities.

Trade negotiations

The  plan emerged on Monday evening during the Shandong-Nakuru Economy and Trade Negotiations conference held in Naivasha and attended by over 300 investors. 

Addressing the press, Deputy Director of Commerce in Shandong province Lyu Wei said they were keen to increase their imports from Kenya.

“Last year, the 57.8 per cent of aquatic and marine products imports were from Kenya while in return we exported some agricultural products mainly garlic,” she said.

Lyu said they were keen to address the issue of quality and safety on imported agricultural products, adding that this could be addressed through training and exchange programmes. 

“In future we will promote Shandong peanuts, vegetables and fruits to Kenya and in return import more Kenyan tea, coffee, avocados and nuts,” she added. 

Nakuru Deputy Governor Eric Korir said the county was keen to partner with investors in the agricultural sector where there is high potential.

Industrial parks

He urged the delegation to use the availability of various industrial parks and ample and available geothermal power to invest in the county.

“Nakuru has been identified as one of the counties with the highest gross domestic product and ease of doing business and we are ready to work with any investor,” he added.

Nakuru county Agriculture CEC Immaculate Maina said  they were keen on avocado growing after the first batch of the frozen produce was exported to China last week.