AVIC International's projects power Kenya's economic development

Liu Yuxi, Special Representative of the Chinese government on African affairs says Chinese companies have left a mark in nearly all sectors of development in the country.

Mr. Liu particularly pointed out massive projects by AVIC International Holding Corporation (AVIC INTL) of China that have seen a transformational trajectory in the Kenyan development sphere.

The official said AVIC INTL of China has contributed greatly to Kenya's economic development, as China beefs up its efforts to promote its Global Development Initiative for common benefits.

Speaking during a visit to the Global Trade Centre (GTC) in Nairobi, a project invested in and developed by AVIC INTL, Mr. Liu was marveled at the architectural masterpiece that has transformed the Nairobi skyline.

GTC, which is located in the core area of Nairobi and is a landmark building in Kenya, makes the city more attractive and promotes consumption upgrading.

“The project was completed to a high standard and will bring more possibilities to Kenya,” Liu said.

The GTC project comprises a 35-storey Five-Star luxury hotel tower, an office tower of the highest level in East Africa, a retail boutique mall, and four residential apartment buildings.

Wu Peng, director-general of the Department of African Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, and Zhou Pingjian, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, also applauded the role of the GTC in boosting Kenya's economic development during a visit to the building complex.

The complex is expected to become the highest-level landmark building in East Africa and bring over 4,000 local jobs, create business opportunities and upgrade Kenya's business environment.

The same sentiments were shared by the then-President Uhuru Kenyatta when he visited the centre in December 2021.

Mr. Kenyatta said that major Chinese-built infrastructure, including the GTC, have helped robustly boost Kenya's economic development, improved livelihoods and enhanced its competitiveness.

A delegation of scholars and experts from Kenyan think tanks and universities also visited the GTC on July 27.

They included Dr. Peter Kagwanja, president of the Africa Policy Institute, Dr. Mustafa Y. Ali, chairman of The Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, Dr. James Shikwati, director of IREN KENYA, and Dr. Patrick Maluki, chair of the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies of the University of Nairobi.

The visitors expressed their appreciation for the project after learning about its general planning and construction conditions, saying that the GTC, as an important landmark in Kenya, will add many jobs, provide great business opportunities and elevate business levels in the country.

AVIC INTL also undertook the reconstruction and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya's main airport and now the busiest airport in East Africa, offering strong support for Kenya Vision 2030, the country's national development initiative.