Chinese Firms In Kenya Contributing To Economic Growth, Creating Jobs: Report

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Chinese firms in Kenya contributing to economic growth, creating jobs: report

Chinese firms in Kenya have contributed to the economic growth of the east African nation, creating tens of thousands of jobs in 2018 alone, according to a new report.

NAIROBI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Dec, 2018 ) :Chinese firms in Kenya have contributed to the economic growth of the east African nation, creating tens of thousands of jobs in 2018 alone, according to a new report.

Over the past 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Kenya, Chinese enterprises have been working closely with partners in Kenya and contributing to the social and economic development of Kenya, says the Chinese Enterprises in Kenya Social Responsibility Summary 2018. "Chinese enterprises are following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and placing their own development under the context of global sustainable development, actively leveraging their expertise in business operations to promote social and economic development, striving to create greater social value while achieving economic growth, and contributing to the realization of the sustainable development goals," says the report by Kenya-China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA) that was produced with the support of the Chinese embassy in Kenya.

KCETA, a social organization comprised of Chinese businesses in Kenya, was founded in 2001 by 51 Chinese enterprises that were operating in Kenya and by 2018 its member enterprises have increased to 97.

In mid-2017, KCETA prepared and released its first Social Responsibility Report of Chinese Enterprises in Kenya and plans to regularly disclose the social responsibility performance of member enterprises and their economic, social and environmental impacts to the local communities.

The report, which was released during the reception for the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Kenya diplomatic relations, says that Beijing has become the largest trading partner, foreign investor and project contractor of Kenya.

According to the survey, Chinese enterprises are not only the key players for the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, but also an important force in promoting the 2030 United Nations SDGs and other targets.

The findings indicate that joint Sino-Kenya endeavors have borne fruitful results with the construction of 100 plus major projects, such as the Moi International sports Center and the Mombasa-Nairobi SGR Project.

The assessment indicates that in 2018, Chinese enterprises created more than 50,000 jobs and provided training to 67,000 people in Kenya.

"In addition, there were a significant number of cooperation projects successfully implemented in the areas of poverty alleviation, public health, cultural exchanges, and peace and security," says the survey by KCETA.

The analysis shows that China-Kenya infrastructure cooperation covers railway, highways, water supply, electricity, communications, airports, ports and other projects across the country.

The review shows that the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Project, which is financed, constructed and operated by China, has been operating smoothly for over a year.

"As of June 2018, it had served over 2 million passengers and shipped approximately 1.4 million tons of goods; operating safely for nearly 500 days. This East African artery, carrying with it the dream of the people of Kenya, paved a fast track for the prosperity and development of Kenya and East Africa," says the report.

According to the survey, the SGR project is the early fruit of the Belt and Road Initiative in Africa, as well as a clear demonstration of the Sino-African industrial capacity cooperation.

The appraisal shows that many projects invested in and developed by Chinese enterprises have taken root in Kenya.

"The Global Trade Center is becoming a new landmark of Nairobi's urban center. Twyford Ceramics has become the largest ceramic tile manufacturer in East Africa with a majority market share," says the survey.

The analysis shows that Chinese enterprises have gradually expanded their overseas operations in Kenya, creating jobs and contributing to the sustained improvement of the local economy and people's livelihood.

In addition, the findings show that Chinese enterprises have also cooperated with Kenyan partners in the planning and construction of several special economic zones and industrial parks, such as the Pearl River Special Economic Zone, the Mombasa Special Economic Zone and the Naivasha Industrial Park.

"After completion, they will greatly accelerate Kenya's industrialization process and create many jobs," says the report.

The study shows that in recent years, China-Kenya cooperation has yielded new fruits in many fields with more than 30 cooperative projects having been implemented in the fields of industrialization, agricultural modernization and infrastructure construction.