DP Gachagua holds talks with Chinese ambassador ahead of Beijing visit

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hosted Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian at his Karen residence on Tuesday morning.

The meeting comes ahead of the Deputy President’s planned visit to the People’s Republic of China.

Gachagua disclosed that his trip aims to promote Sino-Kenya trade and will focus on numerous areas including agro-produce, where he is expected to make the case for Kenya’s coffee, tea, and avocado produce.

Kenya’s agricultural produce, especially the avocado, are among some of the major exports to China since the East Asian nation announced the opening up of its vast market as part of the efforts aimed at balancing trade between the two sides.

“We discussed cross-cutting priority areas of common interests between the two Nations, including enhancing Trade and Investment, among others,” said the DP after the meeting

Gachagua reiterated that Kenya and the People’s Republic of China enjoy cordial and fraternal relations based on mutual trust and benefit, especially in trade and development.

The meeting also comes a few months before China hosts the ninth edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing where a delegation from Kenya is expected to take part.

Established in 2000, FOCAC mechanism has played a crucial role in deepening the strategic partnership between China and Africa, fostering economic and social development, and addressing the continent’s pressing challenges.