In order to promote trade relations between Kenya and China, the Chamber 1st Vice President Dr. Erick Rutto this morning held a meeting with KNCCI members drawn from the agricultural & logistics sectors and representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China led by the Minister Counsellor Mr. Zhang Yijun.

The agenda of the meeting was based on the challenges that Kenyan businesses face within the Chinese market and the way forward to boosting trade relations between the two countries. Some of the key issues that were highlighted by the members present were; limited direct flights to China for flowers and avocados, limited vessels going to China by shipping lines e,g MAERSK, high Tariffs on horticultural products, stringent requirements and compliance with phytosanitary controls for avocados to be able to export to China tough regulations and huge investment for the cold chain infrastructure for frozen avocados.

The solutions discussed to solve the issues highlighted were; Getting more clarification on the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) Certificate for the purpose of product entry to China, include Union Pay as a form of payment for international trade, request for standard of verifying real buyers in the coffee industry since there are instances where exporters have lost goods & money.

Opposed to having the 30-day visa which is subjected to 21 days quarantine, It would be ideal to have a longer period to enable business people conduct their market research within an ample period.

The officials from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China gave the members assurance to revert with the best deliberations to improve on the export market and other operations.

The members present were:  Mr.George Sum, Head of Operations Investera Plus Africa,Mr. John Seroney, Marketing Director Sumseron T. Enterprises Limited, Mr. Ken Onditi Chairman Kenya-Turkey  Joint Business Council ,Mr. Vincent Kizito Operations Director, Laazizi Logistics & Supplies Ltd and Mr.Alfred Barudi Okatchi MD Sinani motors Ltd