David M Mutemi, High Commissioner of Kenya, has suggested to set up 'Joint Business Forum' comprising representatives of Chambers of Commerce and Industry from both countries.
Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) he stressed the need of holding regular trade exhibitions in the two countries and exchange of trade delegations between the two countries.
He said that as the two countries enjoy very cordial and friendly relations, the same should also be reflected through trade figures. He said that the trade volume between the two countries is around 250 million dollars. This could be increased to around 600 to 800 million dollars, as there is vast scope of joint ventures in Kenya.
Speaking at another meeting, of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Kenyan High Commissioner emphasised to use the platform of chambers of commerce and industry as engine of growth and trade promotion between the two countries.
He agreed that the trade between Pakistan and Kenya did not reflect the cordial relation between the two countries.
He said that the pharmaceutical industry was fairly developed and fruits comparatively cheaper in Pakistan and he would want the Kenyan businessmen to explore possibilities of their import into Kenya .
He announced that Kenya has appointed Honorary Consul in Lahore also and hoped that the Honorary Consul in Karachi and Lahore will promote trade between the two countries.
The High Commissioner of Kenya and Riaz Ahmed Tata, President, FPCCI, agreed on the need to activate Pakistan Kenya Joint Business Council to exploit the big potential for the promotion of trade and economic co-operation between the two countries.
Welcoming the guests, Riaz Ahmed Tata suggested that Kenya should look into the possibility of opening of leading Kenyan Banks branches in Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan-Kenya ministerial meeting is to be held in end of this month in Nairobi and it is proposed that Pakistan-Kenya business Council meeting be held simultaneously.
"The Business Community is looking forward to increase trade ties with Kenya and explore new vistas of mutual co-operation".
This was stated by Mohammad Saeed Shafiq, acting president of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & industry, in a meeting with David M. Mutemi, High Commissioner of Kenya; held in the Chamber. Mohammad Hanif Janoo, ex-president of the Chamber and Honourary Consul of Kenya in Karachi, and Bramah L. Kaleve, Kenyan Commercial Attaché, were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the KCCI acting president, warmly welcoming the Kenyan High Commissioner, apprised him of the working of Chamber and present economic development and business activities taking place in the country, with specific reference to Karachi, which is the industrial and commercial hub of the country.
During the meeting various matters of mutual interest were discussed at length and it was agreed that the business communities of both countries must come forward and exploit new ways of mutual benefit and fruitful interactions.
Shafiq appreciated the holding of next Joint Ministerial Committee meeting, which has been formed by the two countries earlier, to be held on July 29 and 30, 2004, in Nairobi, Kenya. He was of the view that the Joint Ministerial Committee must hold regular meetings to promote trade between the two countries and explore new areas of interest. He said that presently the trade between two countries is limited to very few items and balance of trade is in favour of Kenya because Pakistan is the major buyer of Kenyan tea.
Mutemi said that as the two countries enjoy very cordial and friendly relations, the same should also be reflected through trade figures. He said that the trade volume between the two countries is around $250 million, which could be increased to around $600 to $800 million, as there is a vast scope of joint ventures in Kenya. He suggested a Joint Business Forum might be formed, comprising representatives of Chambers of Commerce & Industry from both countries. He stressed the need of holding regular trade exhibitions in the two countries and exchange of trade delegations between the two countries.
Saeed informed the Kenyan delegation that the Chamber is organising an exhibition namely 'My Karachi: Oasis of Harmony', on July 30 to August 1, 2004. He suggested that businessmen and investors from Kenya should come and visit the exhibition since it would greatly help in identifying possibilities of joint ventures and to increase economic co-operation between the two friendly countries.
Also present in the meeting were Zia Ahmed Khan, Abdul Majeed Haji Muhammad, Aamir Abdullah Zaki, Imran Saeed Bhagpatee, Members Managing Committee, M. Nazir Ali, Secretary, and M. Ishaq Subhani, Director R&ED cell KCCI.