Kenya hunts for extra new export markets

Kenya has stepped up the pursuit for new export markets in a fresh mission that will see it boost trade ties and address it’s current account deficit.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries leads a delegation of 60 businessmen on Wednesday to meet business experts at a global trade forum in Uganda.

The meeting is expected to improve trade ties between Kenya and other East African countries. The country is also engaged in talks with Nigeria and Poland to boost its exports there.

At the forum, Kenyan businessmen will have a chance to enter business deals with their peers worldwide as they gather ideas that will influence public policies across the East African Business community.

According to Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis Kandie, exposing Kenya’s top business minds to new markets presents an opportunity for growth and investments.

“We are pursuing regional markets aggressively to increase chances of meeting the 20 per cent annual export growth targeted under Vision 2030,” said Mrs Kandie.

This is one of the many moves by Kenya to boost business in the region since the delegation’s visit to Nigeria. The tour in May culminated into several bilateral trade deals with an one that would see Kenya directly export tea and flower to the country.

Nigeria is set to reciprocate the visit in June 30 to cement talks on bilateral trade. Chairman of joint Kenya Nigeria chamber of commerce James Mwangi said the country expects a lifting of a ban on 30 products Nigeria doesn’t allow imported into Nigeria, “This will allow Kenya import several products direct to the West African country.”

On Monday, a delegation from the Central Poland Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding with their Kenyan counterparts.


Credit: Daily Nation