Photo session of the signing ceremony.[Photo by Liu Hongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

His answer is: "This is a win-win. Of course, our companies sometimes compete with their business, sometimes our companies are tendering against each other or against French companies or Germany companies or others but ultimately these are win-win situations for both UK and China, for both UK and Chinese companies because as Kenya grows, as Kenya develops, there is an opportunity for both sides."

Hailey said the enforced cooperation between UK and Chinese companies would also benefit the host country Kenya, because the businesses that come together around this would produce even better results, even better development and even better partnerships for Kenyan businesses.

"This is a three-way win-win," he said.

In fact, China and the UK have a long history of extensive and profound interactivities. UK is the first Western country to recognize the People's Republic of China. In recent years, the two countries enjoyed close high level exchanges, in-depth cooperation in various fields, growing mutual understanding and friendship and closer communication and collaboration in international affairs.

The non-governmental intercommunication for economic activities is also improving.

KCETA has 79 members from 11 companies as council members, which are large and medium-sized state-owned and private enterprises. Since its establishment in January 2001, it has made great efforts in information communication and business cooperation among members and with companies from Kenya and other countries, including the 15 member companies of BCCK.