In partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the government is set to establish direct trade linkages between the two countries.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 15, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary, Simon Chelugui, noted that Kenya identified 73 areas for strategic trade with several countries where special duty-free rules will apply, especially in the manufacturing sector.
"We are keen to learn more from UAE. Through this partnership we have a quick way of uplifting our small and micro enterprises to big corporates," he stated.
Chelugui added that the government seeks to create organized market outlets for small-scale operators through corresponding special export zones.
"As recognized in the UAE, Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMEs) are vital for economic diversification and growth because they help in building national human resources," he remarked.
The CS was joined by Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Richard Ngatia and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) Chairman Abdullah Sultan at the UAE-East Africa Trade mission 2022.
"We can see the number of trade increase between the two countries and this is the goal," stated Abdullah Sultan, SCCI Chairman.
Additionally, Ngatia lauded the collaboration between KNCCI and SCCI.
"As the private sector, we look forward to the conclusion of the ongoing discussions on the United Arab Emirates-Kenya Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (UAEK-CEPA) as it will ease trade barriers," he stated.
Notably, in February 2022, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta struck a deal with UAE to grant Kenyan traders a 10-year visa to conduct business in Dubai.
Uhuru was accompanied by Ngatia to the UAE, who noted that Kenyans will easily access the visa and benefit from the numerous trade ties.
"I believe that any person in the private sector will get the visa once they apply. This gives guarantee that once you invest in Dubai you can get capital in this market," Ngatia explained.
