NCBA inspires 100 SME customers with market exposure trip to China - PHOTOS

China is world renowned for being one of the most dynamic destinations for those seeking vast business opportunities, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operators in Kenya.

According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, China exported to Kenya goods worth US$7.88 billion in 2023, making China top 5 countries Kenya imports from.

A walk or a drive though Nairobi CBD, Kamukunji, Eastleigh, Nairobi metropolitan area and other cities and towns countrywide paints a picture of the critical role goods from China play in Kenya’s economy.

With this in mind, NCBA Bank has inspired more than 100 of its commercial and SME banking customers with a trip to China to expose them to the market to survey available business opportunities.

The bank has been organizing such market exposure trips since 2016 in its endeavor to enable its SME and commercial enterprises clients to tap into global trade and key emerging markets.

During the eye-opening trip, the NCBA business customers will be enabled to source for varied trading goods and equipment and key insights about the latest business trends, market dynamics and technological advancements that distinguish China as a global trade powerhouse.

They will also engage with industry leaders and visit strategic business districts while exploring available business opportunities in the green energy, manufacturing, technology, and logistics among others in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Foshan among other major cities.

NCBA has undertaken to provide the more than 100 customers with financing solutions to assist their businesses to scale up including preferential USD forex rates, loans, and import financing.

The trip that will last 12 days will also see the participants attend the Canton Fair, visit manufacturers for strategic partnerships and enjoy China's rich culture and tourist attractions

NCBA says such trips are aligned to its purpose and urged SMEs seeking such international market exposure trips to reach out to their Relationship Managers to enlist for the next round.

“SMEs and Commercial enterprises play a significant role in the development of Kenya’s economy. Therefore, we have innovated tailor-made financial solutions, experiences and opportunities for our customers, over and above core banking, as a catalyst to scaling their businesses,” said NCBA Group Director, Retail Banking, Tirus Mwithiga.

He added: “We are thrilled to offer our customers this invaluable opportunity to explore new business avenues and establish connections in one of the world’s leading trade hubs and we believe that the growth of our customers’ businesses through these global markets exposure will contribute directly to the Bank’s growth and that of the country’s economy.” 

 If you are impressed and is seeking to become the bank’s next customer to enjoy such and other benefits you can visit any NCBA Bank branch across Kenya to open a Business Account.

Top 10 goods Kenya imported from China in 2023 and their values UN COMTRADE database on international trade):