Firm boosts Kenya links with China through trade fairs

While the fair happens twice a year, Mr Gao introduced a package that caters for small entrepreneurs.

Now modest entrepreneurs can tour the far east four times a year. At a fee of Sh 99,000, they get a two way ticket and a two day tour of Guangzhou, five days personal shopping, cargo arrangements and eight days in three star hotel accommodation.

“Shipping is one of the challenges that entrepreneurs face while in new markets. Entrepreneurs give us their receipts and we pick goods from the various shops, inspect and ship to Mombasa,” said Mr Gao.

He added that since the company has a network in China, shipping is not a problem and is much more affordable compared to entrepreneurs operating by themselves.

Since language is the biggest barrier Kenyans face while in China, the China Information and Culture Communication Kenya also provides an English speaking tour guide.

However, Kenyan language training centres have registered a high demand for Chinese especially among business people.

Tourist destination
So far a total of 75 businesspeople have made their way to china since 2008. This one of the ways the Chinese embassy has sought to bolster its trade relation with Kenya. However, India is still the top source market for Kenya in the East.

Speaking to Business Daily, Mr Gao said many of the Kenyan traders source electronics, textile, motor bikes especially after duty was removed in the 2007/2008 budget, spare parts and fast moving consumer goods.

But the trade is not only one way. Some savvy Kenyans are now exporting goods and services to China. Such is the case of tour operators promoting Kenya as a tourism destination.

Already, the June trip to China is fully booked with 40 entrepreneurs. Several banks now have similar initiatives in the form of business clubs where they pick their best business clients to explore other markets.

For instance, Barclays club member pay Sh 1100 per month. Club members enjoy discounted air and accommodation rates and most of the bank clubs tours coincide with international trade fairs.