KARACHI: High Commissioner of Kenya Marry Nyambura Kamau has invited a delegation from Pakistan to visit Kenya to explore the market and also to work jointly for the promotion of the blue economy.

She optimized the substantial growth of bilateral trade between both the countries in future.

Speaking at a meeting of FPCCI, she said that Kenya is enjoying a longstanding bilateral relationship with Pakistan since its independence in 1963 when Pakistan opened its mission in Nairobi.

Through the years we have witnessed good cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, defence and security among others.

She said that in the broad spectrum our good bilateral relations are based upon the ties of our private sector.

She said that Kenya is interested in jointly working against terrorism in Kenya as Pakistan has an advanced approach and technology in this segment. She further said that Kenya can assist Pakistan in the improvement of the tourism sector.

Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, FPCCI President, said Pakistan deeply values its long-standing relations with Africa that are premised on mutual trust and understanding.

The bilateral relations between Kenya and Pakistan remain warm and cordial. The FPCCI is keen to strengthen trade diplomatic relations with Kenya.

Irfan Iqbal Sheikh gave a brief overview of the activities of FPCCI and its importance not only in Pakistan’s economy but also in the international economy.

While talking about bilateral trade he said that Pakistan and Kenya have long-standing trade relations and vast potential for bilateral trade.

The trade volume between Pakistan and Kenya stood at US $ 763 million in 2021 as compared to US $ 788.8 million in 2017, showing a little declining trend, which needs to accelerate as the trade potential between the two countries, is much higher.

During 2021, Pakistan’s exports to Kenya were US $ 250.3 million, imports from Kenya were US $ 512.8 million, and the trade surplus of US $ 262.5 million was in favour of Kenya.

He further said that the major impediment that was negatively influencing Kenyan tea export to Pakistan was attestation charges have been removed by the Government of Pakistan last year.

He further said that the private sector of Pakistan also seeks the same gesture of the Kenyan government for the promotion of our bilateral trade.

He said that rice and tea are two main commodities, which are traditionally being traded between the two countries, but there were many other Pakistani products which can not only be introduced in the Kenyan market but also exports to many other African nations via Kenya.

President FPCCI further said that the Government of Pakistan has devised the “Look Africa” policy to engage African countries that aims to foster ties with the various countries of the African continent and Kenya is one of the important countries.

Kenya is a key player in the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA); therefore, a close economic collaboration with Kenya can help Pakistan to find a niche within untapped African economic fronts and thus benefit from new arenas such as African Continental Free Trade Area.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022