Beiqi Foton Motor, a Chinese automaker, has launched Ksh800 million operation centre in the capital Nairobi, to facilitate its expansion in East African region.
The move is attributed to the rising demand for its trucks, pickup trucks and sports utility vehicles that has enabled the manufacturer to sell more than 3,500 vehicles in Kenya after it entered the market in 2012
“As the East African countries unroll their development plans, I believe that Foton Motor Kenya among other Chinese companies will continuously provide good products and services, so as to make more contribution to the construction and development of this region and Kenya, and inject new vitality into our two countries’ friendly cooperation,” Guo Ce, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, said at the launch ceremony.
“In the near future, Foton products will be exported to neighboring countries to benefit the region and at the same time boost the export production rate in Kenya,” Guo Ce added.
Peter Munya the cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, lauded the move by Foton to set up the regional operation center, saying it will spur Kenya’s development agenda.
According to CS Munya the government is focused to promote the growth of local motor vehicle assembly sector as one way of facilitating job creation.
“The center will improve economic and trade cooperation between East African countries,” Munya said in a message read on his behalf by the managing director of Kenya Investment Authority, Moses Ikiara.
The launch of a new operation center in Nairobi comes at a time Ma Rentao, president of Foton International Group, affirms his commitment to grow its brand across the East African region.
