China's Hunan province signs culture, tourism promotion agreement with Kenya

NAIROBI, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Hunan province in central China late Friday signed a culture and tourism promotion agreement with Kenya.

Shang Bin, deputy director general of Hunan provincial department of culture and tourism, said on the sidelines of the China-Africa culture and tourism promotion and cooperation fair held in Kenya's capital Nairobi, that the agreement is meant to foster and promote tourism, which has been identified as one key area of fostering relationships between the two countries.

The agreement covers aviation travel routes, tourism development, joint sports events, charter flight promotion, film and television investment alongside vocational education.

"We are demonstrating the foundation, strengths, and prospects of Hunan's tourism and related fields in cooperation with Africa," Shang said during the signing of the agreement.

Francis Gichaba, the chairman of Kenya Tourism Board, called on people of Hunan and China in general to visit and enjoy Kenya's rich culture and sceneries, adding that Kenya is enhancing close relationship with China so as to attract more visitors into the country.

Gichaba said that Kenya has embarked on massive digital marketing techniques alongside organized foreign trips to create awareness of the country's scenic attractions and its rich culture.

During the signing ceremony, the Hunan provincial department of culture and tourism introduced five cultural tourism highlights of Hunan to the Kenyan attendees, while Kenya presented unique resources and premium travel routes.

The Communication Center for Africa of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council, and leading companies like Hunan SMJM Media signed six major projects with Kenyan cooperative partners worth 8 million U.S. dollars.

The occasion that was held under the theme "Welcome to Charming Hunan," attracted around 200 people from the government, think tanks, enterprises, and financial sectors of China and Kenya.

The Chinese grandeur blended with African characteristics, also showcased a beautiful tapestry of cultural affinity under the Belt and Road Initiative. The event was hosted by the Secretariat of the Organizing Committee of China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives of Kenya.