On this auspicious occasion of the 49th Independence Day of the Republic of Kenya, it is my humble duty and honour on behalf of H.E. Hon. Mwai Kibaki, C.G.H, M.P, President of the Republic of Kenya, the Government and the People of Kenya to convey our warm greetings and best wishes to The President, The Government and The people of Pakistan.
Kenya and Pakistan enjoy good and cordial bilateral relations that date back to several centuries. These good relations have benefited both Countries which have resulted to mutual support for one another at both bilateral and international forums. The relations cut across all sectors from Social, Economic, Education, Cultural and Technical Co-Operation.
Trade between Kenya and Pakistan has been growing steadily over the years. In 2011 the volume of trade between the two countries was estimated at USD 450 Million compared to USD 326 Million in 2010 and 302 Million in 2009.This was a growth of 38% compared to 7.9 % in 2010 and 20% in 2009. Kenya exports to Pakistan grew from USD 224 Million in 2010 to USD 247 Million in 2011 while exports from Pakistan to Kenya almost doubled from USD 102 Million in 2010 to USD 203 Million in 2011. The growth in trade was in both directions which is encouraging. Trade and Investment opportunities between the two Countries are huge but remain largely untapped. The Business community from both Countries is encouraged to take advantage of the good relations that both Governments have worked tirelessly to establish to exploit these potentials.
Kenya is a regional business hub for East and Central Africa. In recognition of this role the Government of Kenya in collaboration with that of South Sudan and Ethiopia have agreed to collaborate to jointly develop infrastructure projects which can accelerate the integration their economies. This was demonstrated recently when the Presidents of Kenya and South Sudan their Excellencies Hon. Mwai Kibaki and Salva Kiir and the late Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Meles Zenawi jointly inaugurated the construction of Lamu Port under the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor (LAPSSET) which is geared to connect the landlocked Countries of South Sudan and Ethiopia to the Indian ocean through the port of Lamu. The ultimate goal of this transport corridor is to create a land bridge across Africa that can link the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
The Discovery of Oil in Kenya in March this year has generated a lot of excitement and that if commercial discoveries are made the economic prospects for Kenya and the region will be bright. Uganda already has over 2.5 Billion Barrels of proven oil reserves while South Sudan has close to 6 billion of proven oil serves.
Tanzania and Mozambique have discovered huge quantities of natural gas offshore the coasts of East Africa which have been proven to be commercially viable. These discoveries have made East Africa a hive of activity in oil and natural gas explorations. If the current rate of discoveries of oil and natural gas are sustained then East Africa is expected to play a major role in world energy supplies in the years to come.
The successful establishment of a central government in Somalia after almost 20 years without a government is expected to enhance peace in Somalia and reduce piracy in the Indian Ocean and thus encourage investments in East African region and the smooth flow of commerce between Europe, Africa and Asia.
Kenya has been undertaking reforms aimed at improving the environment of doing business and increasing the competitiveness of Kenya as an investment destination in Africa. This year, Kenya has been ranked as the third destination of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) after Morocco and South Africa. Firms considering divesting their production or expansion in Africa will find Kenya an attractive and ideal investment location. Kenya has among other advantages a liberal market driven economy with a strong robust financial sector, a huge pool of educated and skilled manpower and the finest flight connections to Europe, America and Asia.
The Kenya time zone is such that the three continents can be reached with relative ease. After many days of hard work, Kenya offers some of the finest places to relax and unwind. The Country offers some of the best in tourism that is unmatched elsewhere in the world and all visitors are welcome to enjoy the Kenyan hospitality.
I take this opportunity to wish Kenyans and Pakistanis a peaceful and prosperous 2013.
Long live Kenya! Long live Pakistan!
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