12 Days in China: NCBA’s Trade Immersion Journey
NCBA CSME China Business Immersion 2025
NCBA Bank’s Commercial and SME (CSME) division recently led a transformative trade and business immersion trip to China from October 12–23, 2025.
The delegation included NCBA https://ke.ncbagroup.com/ staff and clients from various industries across Kenya and the region. Together, they explored Shanghai, Yiwu, and Guangzhou, three key cities that define China’s manufacturing and trade power.
The experience advanced NCBA’s goal of connecting African entrepreneurs to global markets. It also helped foster strategic partnerships and build stronger trade capacity among clients.
Arrival and Welcome
The team departed Nairobi aboard Emirates Airlines via Dubai and landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on October 13, 2025. They were warmly received and transferred to the DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao.
Later that evening, they attended a welcome dinner and briefing session to prepare for the trade immersion ahead.
Shanghai served as a short stopover. It allowed the group to rest and adjust to China’s fast-paced business environment before continuing to Yiwu, one of the world’s busiest trade hubs.
NCBA CSME China Business Immersion 2025
Yiwu: The Global Marketplace
On October 14, the team boarded China’s high-speed bullet train for the 260-kilometer journey to Yiwu, arriving in just over two hours. They checked into Your World International Resort Hotel, where NCBA hosted a welcome dinner.
Clients introduced their businesses, while NCBA staff helped them set up SIM and VPN services for smooth communication. Robert Kiboti, Director of Commercial and SME Banking, officially opened the program, followed by remarks from Dennis Njau, Group Director of Retail Banking.
The evening closed with a cake-cutting celebration for client Mercy Jemima Achieng and other October celebrants.
Over the next two days, the group explored the Yiwu International Trade Mart, the world’s largest wholesale market. Clients toured six vast districts displaying electronics, textiles, home décor, cosmetics, agricultural tools, and more.
With translation and coordination support from NCBA, participants engaged suppliers, sourced products, and identified new manufacturing partners.
In the evenings, the delegation experienced Yiwu’s lively night markets, sampling authentic Chinese cuisine and exchanging ideas in a relaxed setting.
Guangzhou: Innovation in Motion
On October 17, the group flew to Guangzhou, China’s southern trade capital and host of the 138th Canton Fair. Upon arrival, NCBA staff guided clients through registration and sector mapping, aligning visits with their business interests in areas like renewables, textiles, ICT, and manufacturing.
At the Canton Fair, clients explored thousands of stands featuring cutting-edge products in heavy machinery, robotics, renewable energy, fashion, and industrial solutions.
Local guides offered translation and logistics support to enhance networking and deal-making.
The next day, the team visited Maihe Cabinet Factory in Dongguan. The company is known for eco-friendly, high-end furniture and sustainable production using advanced automation.
Clients gained insight into how innovation and efficiency drive China’s manufacturing excellence.
Later, the group toured Guangzhou’s wholesale markets, Dashato and Highin for electronics, Liuhua for fashion, and Canaan for cosmetics.
The day ended with the Pearl River Cruise Dinner, an evening of networking beneath the city’s glittering skyline.
NCBA CSME China Business Immersion 2025
Foshan and Final Reflections
On October 20, the delegation traveled to Foshan City, famous for furniture, ceramics, and sanitary ware. They explored showrooms and factories showcasing design innovation and advanced production techniques.
That night, the group attended the Chimelong International Circus, a breathtaking performance that captured the creativity and energy of China.
The final days were reserved for private meetings and follow-ups with suppliers. On October 23, the group checked out of the DoubleTree by Hilton Guangzhou, marking the successful close of NCBA’s 2025 China Trade Immersion, a journey that deepened knowledge, expanded networks, and inspired global ambition.
