Chinese companies
In addition, China has made rapid progress in the engineering contracting market since 1985, and continuously expanded their market share. Chinese companies in compliance with internationally accepted standards built transport, communication and electricity infrastructure in Kenya to improve local conditions for economic growth and self-development capacity.
The projects include Nairobi-Thika Highway, Marsabit-Turbi (A2) Highway, the new Unit 4 Passenger Terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and Berth No.19 at the port of Mombasa.
China has made investments in different areas, such as motorcycle and car manufacturing, energy development, building materials, real estate and tourism. China’s increased investment has seen it becomes the second-largest source of foreign direct investment in Kenya last year.The cumulative direct investment is about $280 million.
Last year, China-Kenya trade increased to $2.434 billion, a year-on-year growth of over 30 per cent or 17.8 times that in 2000. China’s exports and imports from Kenya reached $2.369 billion and $64.87 million.
With regard to development assistance, China has completed the construction of Moi International Sports Centre, JKIA-Uhuru Highway-Gigiri (Unep) Roads, Gambogi-Serem Road, and a number of rural primary schools, the projects are all aimed improving the Kenyan economy.
Last year, when Kenya suffered severe drought and famine, the worst in 60 years, the Chinese government donated rice, flour, cooking oil and other basic necessities worth Sh1.8 billion, which was a friendly gesture towards Kenya in appreciation of the closer ties and concern for each other’s welfare.
Effective mechanism
Focac was established 12 years ago and has become an important platform for collective dialogue and an effective mechanism for practical co-operation between China and Africa. It enhances political mutual trust and leads to economic and trade co-operation.
China is Africa’s largest trading partner. Meanwhile, Africa is now the second largest overseas project contracting market and fourth largest overseas investment destination for China.
Being the first ministerial conference in the second decade in this century of the Forum since its establishment, the Fifth Focac Ministerial Conference will serve as a major link between the past and future in developing China-Africa relations.
Both sides will make assessments on the implementation of the follow-up actions of the Fourth Ministerial Conference in 2009, map out China-Africa relations development and co-operation in various fields in the next three years and draft the outcome documents.
