Kenya is seeking to make full use of China's zero-tariff measures to significantly increase exports to the country, officials and industry leaders said on Monday at a business forum in Nairobi.

Kithure Kindiki, deputy president of Kenya, said China's decision to grant zero-tariff access from May 1 to African exports could act as a catalyst for deeper trade and industrial cooperation, and unlock new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and investors.

"China's market of more than 1.4 billion consumers presents enormous opportunities for Kenyan exporters," he said at the forum hosted by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency.

Kindiki said the Kenyan government is encouraging exporters to move up the value chain by selling processed agricultural products, such as coffee, tea and flowers, to tap into the lucrative sectors to narrow the trade deficit with China.

"We have some of the best coffee and tea in the world; we are Africa's largest avocado producer and one of the leading producers of macadamia," he said, inviting Chinese businesses to increase imports of Kenyan agricultural goods following the zero-tariff policy.

China will fully implement zero-tariff measures to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties starting May 1, a move widely applauded as a key measure to help Africa boost exports and increase market access to China.

Speaking at the forum, Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng said the move has demonstrated China's resolve and sincerity in promoting the development of the Global South for common prosperity.

China stands ready to deepen cooperation with Kenya in governance, development strategies and economic modernization, including aligning bilateral cooperation with Kenya Vision 2030, Han said.

"We hope to upgrade our practical cooperation and support Kenya and other African countries in transforming their resource advantages into development strengths," he said.

Lee Kinyanjui, Kenya's Cabinet secretary for investments, trade and industry, said the duty-free access will help increase export of Kenya's main agricultural products.

"Government agencies are now working with exporters to ensure they meet certification requirements and connect with Chinese buyers," he said.

Kenya's Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam said the country is focusing on value addition by exporting processed agricultural products such as avocado oil rather than raw commodities.

The strategy would increase foreign exchange earnings while strengthening local businesses and creating jobs, she said.

Erick Rutto, president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Kenyan exporters must organize themselves to supply larger product volumes and meet international standards to tap into international markets such as China.

Partnerships with Kenyan financial institutions are being explored to help exporters access financing and scale up production, Rutto said.

Pally Muthathai, chairperson of the Macadamia Nut Association of Kenya, said some agricultural value chains involve more than 200,000 farmers, making coordination and compliance with export standards complex.

To address this, the sector is using cooperative structures, contract farming and digital platforms to organize farmers, provide technical support and ensure product traceability, he said.

Victor Raballa contributed to this story.