(MENAFN) Trade between China and Kenya surged to a new record in the first quarter of the year, according to official figures released Tuesday, highlighting growing economic collaboration between the two nations.

Data from the General Administration of Customs revealed that bilateral trade in goods rose by 11.9 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 16.13 billion yuan (approximately 2.24 billion U.S. dollars). This marks the sixth straight quarter of growth in trade volume.

China's shipments to Kenya increased by 11.8 percent year-on-year, while its imports from the East African country climbed 13.2 percent, the report showed.

Since establishing diplomatic ties over sixty years ago, China and Kenya have steadily expanded cooperation across multiple sectors. Their relationship was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2017.

Currently, China holds the position as Kenya's top trade partner and leading source of imports. At the same time, Kenya stands as China's most significant trading partner in East Africa.

The trade relationship has produced concrete benefits for both populations. Chinese exports such as appliances, electrical parts, and construction equipment have played a key role in Kenya’s infrastructure development and offered consumers more variety. On the other hand, Kenyan produce including avocados and tea is becoming increasingly common in Chinese households.

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