The Changsha delegation was led by Mr. Li Weiqun, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of Changsha Municipal People’s Congress, and Mr. Yang Zhiren, Deputy Director of the Changsha Municipal Bureau of Commerce.

A key outcome of the meeting was the positioning of Changsha as a strategic entry point for Kenyan goods into China. The delegation made clear that goods entering through Changsha have the advantage of national distribution across China — a proposition that significantly enhances the commercial case for Kenyan exporters looking to scale their presence in the Chinese market.

The discussions identified several sectors of shared interest:

• Kenyan Agricultural Exports — Tea, coffee, macadamia nuts, flowers, avocados, and the emerging category of sausages were presented as Kenya’s primary export offer to the Chinese market.
• Chinese Manufacturing Strengths — Changsha’s industrial capabilities in heavy machinery, biomedical devices, and new energy were highlighted as areas of direct relevance to Kenya’s development agenda.
• Chinese Investment in Africa — The delegation noted that Chinese enterprises are actively seeking investment opportunities across Africa, and called on KNCCI to play a facilitation and orientation role for incoming investors.

Dr. Rutto drew attention to a stark but telling statistic: Kenya imports approximately KES 7.8 billion worth of goods from China annually, while exports to China stand at only KES 230 million — a significant trade imbalance that both sides acknowledged as an urgent opportunity to address. Growing Kenya’s export volumes to China is not only a commercial priority but a national economic imperative.

To build on the momentum of this engagement, a visit by a Kenyan delegation to Changsha’s biomedical companies has been proposed, with a view to exploring concrete investment and trade linkages in that sector.

KNCCI also committed to supporting the facilitation of Chinese investors eyeing opportunities in Kenya, further cementing the Chamber’s role as the bridge between Kenya’s business community and global markets.

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Connex US Air operates under two specialized divisions — Connexus Air Cargo Services and Connexus Air Maintenance — enabling the company to deliver integrated logistics solutions and dependable aviation maintenance under one trusted global brand.

The meeting explored potential collaboration as Connex US Air seeks to leverage Kenya’s strategic location and its growing reputation as a logistics hub for the region. The company expressed interest in opportunities linked to Kenya’s proximity to the Gulf States, where it serves as a key exporter of meat, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Additionally, Connex US Air is looking to expand its aircraft maintenance division into Kenya, positioning the country as a regional hub for aviation maintenance and support services.

Dr. Rutto encouraged Connex US Air to take advantage of Kenya’s strong trade influence under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, emphasizing the importance of the Port of Mombasa as a key gateway to East and Central Africa. He reaffirmed KNCCI’s commitment to supporting partnerships that enhance across the continent.

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The President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Dr. Erick Rutto, today received H.E. Abderazaak Laassel, the Ambassador of Morocco to Kenya, who paid a courtesy call at the KNCCI headquarters.

Discussions focused on strategies to boost trade between Kenya and Morocco, which currently stands at approximately USD 40 million, and on tapping opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Key issues raised included the establishment of a direct shipping line between Rabat and Mombasa, as well as the introduction of direct flights to ease connectivity. Dr. Rutto noted that the absence of such direct links has hindered trade, with Moroccan buyers often sourcing Kenyan flowers through Europe, while tea is imported from China and coffee from Colombia, despite Kenya being a prime producer.

The two leaders also explored opportunities for Morocco to supply fertilizers to Kenya, a critical input for the agricultural sector. To further enhance collaboration, both sides agreed that KNCCI and the Rabat Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the upcoming visit of the Rabat Chamber President to Kenya later this year.

In addition, it was highlighted that Kenya and Morocco are finalizing agreements on double taxation avoidance and a MoU on investment promotion, which will provide a stronger framework for bilateral economic cooperation.

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