A promotional event for the seventh China International Import Expo is held in Kenya on April 22. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

A promotional event for the seventh China International Import Expo was held in Kenya on April 22.

Ning Feng, president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the CIIE venue, said at the event that a total of 63 trips had been made by Kenyan companies over the past six editions of the CIIE. He added that Kenya's avocados, coffee and fresh flowers are very popular among Chinese consumers.

Noting that Kenyan avocados have become a hit in the Chinese market since their appearance at the CIIE, Ning expressed his hope that Kenyan businesses would continue to participate in the expo.

Kenyan business representatives share their insights during the event. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Patrice Ngenga, technical, standards, and compliance officer at the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, highlighted Kenya's leading position as Africa's largest avocado exporter and the world's fourth-largest exporter of fresh-cut flowers.

He said the association, which currently has over 100 small and medium-sized enterprise members, aims to leverage the CIIE to access the Asian market and explore more opportunities in China.

Simon Gakinya, managing director and founder of Mount Kenya Specialty Tea & Coffee Co Ltd, expressed high expectations for tapping the Chinese market. He said he hopes to leverage the CIIE to boost consumer awareness and the market share of Kenyan mountain tea and coffee in China.

During their stay in Kenya, the CIIE working team also visited local organizations and companies, including the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mount Kenya Specialty Tea & Coffee Co Ltd. They listened and responded to the needs of Kenyan businesses, aiming to better assist them in participating in the expo.

By Zhao Guangmei