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The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Roundup: Kenyan visitors flock to Chinese products at annual trade expo
NAIROBI, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Braving the chilly Tuesday morning in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, George Owino and a group of friends took a leisurely stroll through the exhibition hall hosting the tenth edition of China Trade Week. The engineering graduate turned entrepreneur said he visited the premier event to meet potential Chinese manufacturers or distributors of construction equipment for his clients across the country. "I happen to serve clients who are keen on the quality and durability of products such as those on display at this expo, ranging from pumps, electric cables, tiles and roofing materials," said Owino. He said his visit to the expo was worthwhile, as he connected with some Chinese partners who could help facilitate the bulk import of lighting equipment for a client on the outskirts of Nairobi. Over 100 exhibitors, including more than 80 from China, are showcasing their products at the 10th edition of China Trade Week, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday and features high-level panel discussions and business matchmaking. David Wang, the chairman of MIE Group, organizer of China Trade Week, said that 88 Chinese companies will showcase a range of products such as building materials, solar equipment, farm machinery, and new energy vehicles during the three-day event. Wang added that by hosting China Trade Week, Kenya has cemented its position as a strategic hub for the implementation of projects that align with China's Belt and Road Initiative. Fabrizo Koech, a female entrepreneur in the general merchandise business, was among the first to visit the Chinese exhibitors, seeking information on how to import hardware equipment for her buyers. "In this expo, my specific mission is to meet wholesale suppliers of hardware tools such as door locks, nuts and bolts, pipes and spanners," she said. Koech added that her clients are uncompromising on quality and have always been satisfied when she provides proof that the products she imports from China meet international standards. Running concurrently with the Africa Technology Show and the Women in Technology and Innovation Africa summit, this year's expo is expected to unlock new business opportunities, elevating Sino-Kenya economic ties to new levels, said Edwin Masivo, Kenya country director of Global Exhibitions Inc. Both Chinese and Kenyan exhibitors will be showcasing a wide range of products under one roof, including home appliances, electronics, fast-moving consumer goods, cosmetics, leather and apparel, Masivo said. He observed that one decade of hosting China Trade Week has been pivotal in facilitating investment, skills and technology transfer, job creation, and enhancing Sino-Kenya cultural ties. Abigael Okello, founder and executive director of Solar Mtaani, a social enterprise that promotes clean energy for rural communities, said that she attended the expo to learn about the latest technologies that off-grid communities can harness for cooking and lighting their homes. "Given that most of our products come from China, we would love to form partnerships and network with different companies from China to see how we can custom-make solar products that meet energy needs in the country," she added. Catherine Atieno, an ICT major from a local public university, said that during China Trade Week, she looked forward to meeting Chinese companies dealing in smart home appliances, mobile phones, or laptops. China is a leading source of smart devices that Kenyans are using to connect and conduct online transactions, Atieno said, adding that she hoped to gain new insights into China's advances in the digital economy during the trade week. China Trade Week has created a platform for connecting Kenyan start-ups to potential markets in China and other parts of the world, unlocking capital and growth, said Richard Muteti, chief executive officer of the Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises Organization-East Africa. "This event brings together investors, suppliers, and buyers under one roof. It has acted as a catalyst for local value addition, skills development and the establishment of resilient supply chains," Muteti added.
Mid East Info
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Defining the Future of Mobility: Zahoor Ahmed on EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 and Vision 2030
Exclusive Interview with Zahoor Ahmed Vice President, MIE Group EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 May 4–6, 2025 | Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EVS Saudi Arabia 2025: Powering Vision 2030 Through Innovation, Policy, and Global Collaboration Driving the Future: Vision, Innovation, and Impact Q1: What inspired your involvement in EVS Saudi Arabia 2025, and why is this event important now? A: As Vice President of MIE Group, I've had the privilege of leading strategic platforms across emerging markets that connect businesses, governments, and investors through trade and innovation. EVS Saudi Arabia is not just another event, it's our flagship initiative in the mobility space, inspired by the Kingdom's bold transformation under Vision 2030. My background in building global platforms that enable cross-border trade and investment gave me a clear view of the potential within the EV sector. Saudi Arabia, with its progressive openness to global industry and firm commitment to ESG, climate action, and sustainability, provides the perfect environment to anchor such a future-forward platform. Q2: How do you see Saudi Arabia positioning itself in the global electric and sustainable mobility movement? Saudi Arabia is no longer a participant, it is becoming a global enabler. Vision 2030 has laid a strong foundation, and through giga-projects, international Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) partnerships, and heavy investment in R&D, the Kingdom is creating an innovation-led ecosystem. Saudi Arabia is establishing itself as a regional hub where industry, infrastructure, and government policy intersect to drive forward electric and sustainable mobility on a global scale. Q3: What can exhibitors and attendees expect from this year's edition that sets it apart from other mobility events? EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 is set to deliver impact well beyond expectations. With more than 100 global exhibitors and immersive showcases, the event features the most forward-looking innovations in electric vehicles, autonomous mobility, AI integration, and sustainable transport infrastructure. Leading car brands participating include: Lucid Motors, Volvo, Tesla, Honda, KIA (Al Jabr), Lotus, Hummer, BYD, ROX Motors, Riddara (Geely Auto Group), Zeekr, Jetour, Eurabus, One Moto, and FlyNow Aviation, each demonstrating their latest breakthroughs in EV technology and design. The event also brings together key government bodies and public sector stakeholders, such as: Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, SASCO, National Center for Environmental Compliance (MWAN), General Transport Authority (TGA), IFEVA (International Future Energy and Vehicle Alliance), SIRC (Saudi Investment Recycling Company), Clean Energy Center, Frost & Sullivan, and the Saudi Business Council. These institutions play a vital role in shaping regulatory policy, infrastructure development, and advancing Vision 2030's sustainable mobility goals. Visitors can expect B2B networking, strategic conferences, and curated opportunities for global investment and trade partnerships, all hosted in one of the fastest-growing mobility markets in the world Q4: What long-term impact do you hope EVS Saudi Arabia will have on the region's EV and mobility ecosystem? EVS Saudi aims to serve as a long-term legacy platform supporting policy, industrial development, and market adoption across the Middle East. It's not just a standalone event, it complements our broader EV and mobility portfolio across Africa and Asia, enabling year-round dialogue and investment opportunities. We want EVS to be remembered as a catalyst that supported the Kingdom's EV roadmap, created business opportunities, and drove forward regional sustainability. Industry Collaboration & Innovation Focus Q1: What role does cross-industry collaboration play in accelerating sustainable mobility in the region? It's absolutely essential. The shift to sustainable mobility touches multiple sectors, energy, urban planning, tech, logistics and cannot be done in isolation. EVS acts as a collaborative bridge. Our network of global and regional partners, including associations, chambers of commerce, and government entities, enables us to bring together the right voices to drive real solutions and scalable partnerships. Q2: How is your organization contributing to innovation in EV technology or infrastructure? MIE Group is at the forefront of enabling global trade, B2B networking, and investment opportunities. Through platforms like EVS Saudi, we spotlight cutting-edge EV technologies, smart infrastructure, and sustainable transport solutions. We create opportunities for governments and businesses to explore innovation through curated business matchmaking, country pavilions, and executive roundtables that attract global capital and ideas. Q3: What are the biggest challenges currently facing the EV sector in the GCC, and how can EVS Saudi help address them? Challenges include harmonizing EV policies, scaling charging infrastructure, adapting to climate-specific requirements, and preparing the workforce. Local infrastructure still needs to evolve to fully support an EV-driven economy, but Saudi Arabia's strategic push through Vision 2030 is addressing this head-on. EVS Saudi provides the space to align public and private agendas and share technical, financial, and operational solutions that accelerate readiness. Q4: How do you see public-private partnerships evolving in Saudi Arabia's mobility transition? Public-private collaboration will define the success of this transition. The government is actively supporting Saudization, while also encouraging global expertise and partnerships. We're seeing cross-border companies setting up operations in the Kingdom with direct support. What's more, mobility innovation is expanding beyond roads, Saudi Arabia is exploring electric transport for sea and air, signaling a holistic green mobility future. EVS Saudi is the forum where those visionary partnerships are launched. Market Readiness & Consumer Awareness Q1: What key factors are driving EV adoption in Saudi Arabia today? Government-backed incentives, a rapidly improving infrastructure landscape, increasing availability of EV models, and growing public awareness are all contributing. Additionally, organizations such as Lucid Motors, Auto Data, Hala Auto, and I-Charge, all partners at EVS Saudi are actively advancing the ecosystem through education, accessibility, and innovation. Q2: How can events like EVS Saudi help educate the public and build trust in electric mobility? By making electric mobility real and tangible. From interactive displays and live demos to test drives and expert-led panels, we make EVs accessible and relatable. Visitors can engage directly with manufacturers and learn about everything from battery lifespan to total cost of ownership, helping shift perception from curiosity to confidence. Closing Remarks from Zahoor As we stand on the brink of a transportation revolution, EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 is more than just a gathering, it is a strategic declaration. It reflects our deep commitment to supporting the Kingdom's sustainable transformation and its position as a leader in green mobility. I am proud of what we've built and even more excited about the partnerships, innovation, and investment that will emerge from this platform. To innovators, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders: this is your invitation to engage, grow, and lead. Together, we're not just adapting to the future, we're defining it. – Zahoor, Vice President, MIE Group About MIE Group MIE Events DMCC is a global leader in organising B2B trade shows and strategic conferences across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With over 20 years of experience, MIE specialises in launching and scaling impactful platforms that align with government visions, promote industrial development, and enable international trade and investment. Website: About EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 is the Kingdom's premier platform for electric vehicles, smart mobility, and sustainable transportation. Taking place from May 4–6, 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the event unites global manufacturers, innovators, policymakers, and investors to shape the future of mobility in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The event features immersive exhibits, strategic forums, and B2B engagement opportunities that connect every link of the mobility value chain. 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