Written by Leonard Wamalwa 2012-07-26 19:36:00 Read 863 Times

Nzoia County Council Chair Kwanusu (L) and Chinese Governor Anzhong exchange the signed memoranda as Wildlife Minister Dr Noah Wekesa witnesses. The new pact will see both regions benefit with the opening up of investment opportunities. [PHOTOS | Leonard Wamalwa | West Fm]

Trans Nzoia County and the town of Kitale have established new and historic ties with China’s Jiangxi province and Jingdehzen City of Central China in a deal that will open up investment opportunities between the two devolved systems of governance.

The deal initiated by Forestry Minister Dr. Noah Wekesa has saw a memorandum of co-operation signed to pave way for the relationship targeted at mutually benefiting the two parties.

The memorandum involves fields of urbanization that will relate Kitale town and Jingdezhen City, forestry, environment protection, light industry and tourism.

The Vice Chairman of Jiangxi Province Mr. Chen Anzhong (left) signed the memorandum with his Trans Nzoia counterpart who is now known as County Chairman Councillor Fred Kwanusu whereas Kitale Municipal Council Finance Chairman Councilor Peter Waswa signed the memorandum alongside the signature of the Mayor of Jingdezhen City.

“We are very privileged to establish these ties which we believe will greatly open up entrepreneurial opportunities between us,” said the Jiangxi Governor.

Dr. Wekesa said he took the initiative of establishing the co-operation between the two devolved systems of governance owing to the development track witnessed in China that he had toured on several occasions and developed the contacts that have led to the new development.

“We the African people have close ties with the Chinese and therefore, we have a lot to learn from them for instance the country has a 60% forest cover while we are at 6%,” said the Kwanza MP.

Wekesa noted that China had achieved the desired development in the last 30 to 40 years and thus Kenya can also achieve the same within the same period or even lesser period depending on the people they partner with and the commitment the residents show.

Before signing the memorandum, the China delegations toured economic ventures in the region involving Kenya seed, National Cereals and Produce Board, Masinde Muliro Primary School and the Kitale airstrip.

While at Masinde Muliro primary school the delegation had pledged to support the school through various aids though they did not specify exactly the nature of the support.

Dr Wekesa revealed that in a recent visit to china, the Chinese government assured the Kenyan Government of an improved business working relation between the two countries that shall see greater development in Kenya that is underdeveloped as compared to China.

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