KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto Appointed International Trade Advisor to China’s Shandong Province

 

The President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Dr. Erick K. Rutto, has been appointed as an International Trade and Investment Advisor to Shandong Province, one of China’s most dynamic economic regions.

The appointment was made during the 2025 Conference of International Trade and Investment Advisors, convened by the People’s Government of Shandong Province and presided over by Vice Governor Song Junji. Dr. Rutto joins a distinguished panel of global advisors that includes senior leaders from Siemens, Philips, KPMG China, the ASEAN-China Commerce Association, and other multinational organizations entrusted with shaping Shandong’s international economic engagement.

Dr. Rutto’s new role positions him at the center of efforts to deepen trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between Kenya and Shandong. He will offer direct advisory support to Shandong’s provincial leadership and key economic departments, helping align the province’s strengths—such as advanced manufacturing, technology innovation, and green energy—with emerging opportunities in Kenya’s fast-evolving market.

Economically, the appointment is expected to open fresh pathways for Kenyan enterprises and investors. Shandong’s competitive sectors—including healthcare technology, industrial modernization, and sustainable infrastructure—offer considerable potential for business collaborations. Current advisors to the province include industry leaders such as Madam Liu Ling of Royal Philips and Madam Lily Dong of AbbVie, reflecting Shandong’s growing focus on health innovation and technology-driven solutions.

As Advisor, Dr. Rutto will champion Kenyan interests, facilitate market access for Kenyan products and enterprises, and catalyze new investment flows into the country. The partnership is also anticipated to strengthen Kenya’s trade position under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expanding opportunities across regional markets.

Speaking after his appointment, Dr. Rutto expressed both gratitude and optimism:

“I am deeply honoured by this appointment as an International Trade and Investment Advisor to Shandong Province. 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. I look 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.”

The collaboration has been supported by the Shandong Provincial Government and organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Shandong Sub-Council. It has also benefited significantly from the work of the KNCCI China Office, which continues to play a central role in promoting Kenya–China trade relations and supporting Kenyan businesses seeking to expand into the Chinese market.

Dr. Rutto’s appointment marks a major milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to strengthen global commercial ties and strategically position itself within Asia’s expanding economic landscape.