AVIC aims to accelerate training plan

Chinese company's diversified businesses in Kenya put it in unique position to help

AVIC International has announced it will speed up work to open 135 vocational training centers across Kenya, to diversify its business interests in Africa and boost the nation's industrialization efforts.

The Chinese aviation company committed to set up the centers in an agreement with Kenya's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in January 2010.

The deal, worth an estimated $130 million, covers advanced curriculum planning, laboratory equipment configuration, teacher training and after-sales services for the majors of electrical and electronic technology, machinery operation, civil engineering, medical treatment and public health.

Wu Guangquan, president of Aviation Industry Corp of China, better known as AVIC, says the work will now be completed within the next three years.

"Over the past six years, AVIC has helped 10 universities and colleges under the auspices of the ministry set up vocational training centers," he says, although he did not elaborate on how the project will be accelerated.

"Once the centers are set up throughout Kenya, more than 50,000 students will be trained every year, giving a boost to Kenya's economic development," Wu says.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of China's state legislature, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, inspected the vocational education center at Nairobi's Technical University of Kenya during a recent visit.

"Whatever we do, we not only pursue commercial success, but also contribute to the economic development of the country we are in," Wu says. "AVIC's dedication to vocational education in Kenya is tied to the company's culture and philosophy, which is to go beyond commerce for a better world."

The Chinese company has six major businesses: international aviation, trade and logistics, retail and high-end consumer goods, real estate and hotel management, electronic technology, and resources development. Last year, its revenue hit 133 billion yuan ($20.5 billion), with profits of nearly 7.5 billion yuan.

"With so many business categories, we have our own understanding on how to meet market needs, serve customers and fuel economic growth," Wu says. "What's more, we're qualified to conduct vocational education, and from this point of view we're unique."

AVIC's long-term plan is to expand vocational education programs across Africa. The company has already signed contracts or agreements with 13 nations.

"The Chinese government has been very supportive. We think it will be a great business in the future," Wu adds.

Fred Matiang'i, Kenya's education cabinet secretary, has previously praised AVIC for its excellent work in helping Kenya to foster skilled workers. "The Kenyan government launched its Vision 2030, namely to be industrialized by 2030, and an enormous number of skilled workers will be needed during the process," he says.

Another successful program run by AVIC in African is the Mobile Health Service, which was started in April 2012 in Zambia. It has nine vehicles that tour remote and inaccessible regions offering services ranging from general medical care to minor surgery. So far, medics with the program have treated 35,000 Zambians.

"We'd like to popularize the mode throughout Africa," Wu says.

Two years ago, AVIC also introduced its Africa Tech Challenge, an annual contest for Kenyan students to compete and demonstrate their skills. The winners receive an opportunity to study in China or work for AVIC.

One is already studying for a master's degree at Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, while two others will study in Beijing after graduating from schools in Kenya.

Su Tianshu, deputy chief representative of AVIC International in Kenya, who is in charge of the challenge, says this year's contest will include a test of wildlife protection skills.

"The Kenyan government is making great efforts in wildlife protection. Our program can help promote understanding among the peoples in our two countries and intensify bilateral cultural exchange," he says.

AVIC also recently signed a contract with JW Marriot that will see the hotel management company open a hotel in the aviation company's new landmark headquarters that it is building in Nairobi.

With a total investment of $500 million, the project consists of a 42-story building and four 26- to 30-story commercial apartments, covering a total area of 30,000 square meters.

The headquarters, scheduled for completion in 2022, is expected to reshape the city's skyline, as well as create at least 15,000 jobs, the company says.

"Through our various businesses in Kenya, AVIC has shown the characteristics of Chinese culture and contributed a lot to Sino-African culture exchanges," Wu says.

liuhongjie@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily Africa Weekly 04/15/2016 page29)