Dr Erick K. Rutto, President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), has been appointed the International Trade and Investment Advisor for Shandong Province, China. This role was conferred during the 2025 Conference of International Trade and Investment Advisors, led by the People’s Government of Shandong Province under the leadership of Vice Governor Song Junji.
This appointment recognizes Dr Rutto’s influential leadership and positions him as a key architect in strengthening trade and investment bridges between Kenya and one of China leading economic powerhouses. He joins a distinguished global cohort of advisors, including leaders from Siemens, Philips, KPMG China, and the ASEAN-China Commerce Association, entrusted with guiding Shandong future economic strategy.
Dr Rutto will provide direct counsel to Shandong provincial leadership and departments. His insights will be instrumental in aligning Shandong strengths in advanced manufacturing, technology and green energy with the opportunities offered by Kenya dynamic market.
For Kenya, this development opens direct, high-level pathways for businesses and investors. Significant opportunities are expected in sectors where Shandong excels, such as healthcare technology (represented by advisors like Madam Liu Ling of Royal Philips and Madam Lily Dong of AbbVie), industrial modernisation and sustainable infrastructure development.
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Dr Rutto will champion Kenyan interests, facilitate market access, and catalyze investments that create sustainable value, accelerate national economic growth and strengthen Kenya engagement under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enabling broader regional trade and investment opportunities.
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment as an International Trade and Investment Advisor to Shandong Province,” Dr Erick Rutto said. “This recognition reflects Kenya’s rising influence in global trade and the growing strength of our partnership with one of China’s leading economic centres.”
Dr Rutto said he looks forward to working closely with Shandong’s leadership to align their capabilities in advanced manufacturing, technology, and green energy with the opportunities in Kenya’s dynamic and rapidly evolving market. “Together, we will open new pathways for our businesses, expand market access, and catalyze investments that create sustainable value for both our nations under the African Continental Free Trade Area. I remain committed to championing Kenyan interests and strengthening the bridges that will drive shared prosperity across our regions,” he said.
This collaboration is fostered by the leadership of Vice Governor Song Junji and the Shandong Provincial Government, and organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Shandong Sub-Council and supported by the KNCCI China Office, which has been pivotal in promoting Kenya-China trade relations and supporting Kenyan businesses in the Chinese market.
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