By Ronald Wese

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted a business networking seminar on February 6, 2024, in Mkomani, Nyali Subcounty of Mombasa. Notable guests included Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, Chairman of the Kenya Maritime Authority Hamisi Mwaguya, and other members of the Kenya Business Community.

KNCCI Chairman Aboud Jamal (left) flanked by KMA Chairman Hamisi Mwaguya, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, and other attendees at the conference. Photo: Governor Press

The conference aimed to enhance collaboration between the Mombasa business community and Hong Kong companies, focusing on bolstering investments in Export Processing Zones, Export Markets, Real Estate, and Trade. This collaboration signals a potential economic boost for both regions.

Speaking during the forum, Kenya Maritime Authority Chairman Hamisi Mwaguya noted an advancement in economic relations between Africa and Asia. "In the last decade, there has been over a 30% increase in Africa’s exports to Asia, posing immense potential for economic growth in both continents," he said, adding, "To fully harness these business opportunities, we must invest in robust export logistics that support efficient and sustainable movement of goods."

Kenya Maritime Authority Chairman, Hamisi Mwaguya (right) speaking with Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir during the conference Photo: Governor Press

Mwaguya further emphasized that advancing Maritime Infrastructure, embracing Digital Technology, and adopting best practices in Supply Chain Optimization are essential steps to boost Kenya’s trade standing.

Mombasa Governor, Hon. Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, accentuated the collaboration between Mombasa and Hong Kong based on their strategic locations. He underscored the significance of maritime transport for economic growth and the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Mombasa Governor addressing the conference at Mkomani Nyali. Photo: Governor Press

“Mombasa is one of the first counties in the country licensed to operate as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), allowing us to groundbreak and take off faster. It is a massive thing we are looking forward to, to be able to work with the Companies in Hong Kong,” he noted.

Hong Kong, a vibrant coastal city situated on China's Southern Coast, boasts a diverse population of 7,444,000 from various nationalities. Renowned for its highly developed free-market economy, low taxation, unrestricted port trade, and a well-established international financial market.

Governor Nassir sitting with a representative from the HKTDC. Photo: Governor Press

The HKTDC is dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong businesses, particularly Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), by connecting them with global business partners. Annually, the HKTDC organizes over 300 trade fairs and 610 networking events and hosts approximately 670 trade missions, enabling businesses worldwide to explore new markets in Mainland China and throughout Asia.