Kenya has achieved a remarkable milestone in its bilateral relations with China by exporting its first shipment of ‘omena,’ to the Chinese market. This accomplishment comes on the heels of a bilateral agreement signed between Nairobi and Beijing in January 2022.
A substantial 52-tonne consignment of omena was dispatched to China, underscoring the strengthening bonds between these two nations. Wu Peng, the Director-General of the Department of African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China, expressed his satisfaction with this development, emphasizing the mutual benefits it brings to the citizens of both countries.
“I am delighted to witness the recent delivery of the first 52-tonne shipment of Kenyan omena to China, with more on the way. The FOCAC #Green Channel for African agricultural exports to China is yielding tangible benefits for both African and Chinese people,” Wu Peng stated.
The import of Kenyan anchovies by China began in June, with an initial shipment of 315 kilograms transported by air to Hunan. This marked the inception of a promising trade relationship in this sector.
Kenyan officials have praised this historic consignment for injecting renewed vigor into the local blue economy. Jinzai Food Group, a snack company based in Hunan, purchased the anchovies and has plans to transform them into a popular Hunan-flavored snack at its factory. The company has also established a processing, drying, and packaging facility in Kenya to prepare the anchovies before they reach the Chinese market.
Changsha Customs has been actively implementing China’s initiative to create a “green channel” for agricultural and food imports from Africa, implementing multiple measures to enhance customs clearance efficiency.
The debut of Kenyan wild anchovy products occurred at the third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in late June. This event symbolizes a significant step in China’s efforts to promote the import of high-quality African food and agricultural products, diversify domestic consumer choices, and stimulate increased trade between China and Africa.
The successful export of omena to China stands as a testament to the burgeoning partnership between Kenya and China, fostering economic cooperation and benefiting both nations.
