After ruffling feathers with Chinese retail investors, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria travelled to the Middle East in his bid to make Kenya an economic hub.
The CS travelled to Doha in Qatar where he held a high-profile meeting on Sunday, March 05.
During the Doha meeting, Kuria touted Kenya as the ideal hub for Qatari businessmen to invest.
While meeting Qatar Chamber First Vice-Chairman Mohamed bin Twar Al Kuwari, the two countries discussed means to enhance economic and commercial relations between the two nations.
According to the Peninsula, a Qatari media outlet, Kuwari and Kuria further reviewed the investment climate and opportunities available in Kenya and Qatar.
While heralding the opportunities available in Kenya, Kuria revealed that Qatari businessmen could invest in; food security, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, petrochemicals and housing.
Kuria further invited Qatar nationals to visit Kenya to explore investment opportunities.
He assured that the government would provide foreign investors with incentives, especially those willing to invest in Special Economic Zones (SEZ).
On Qatar side, Kuwari revealed that his country was open to enhancing cooperation between Qatar nationals and Kenyans.
On February 25, Kuria caused an international stir after he remarked that the China Square store, which is owned by a Chinese national Lei Cheng, should be shut down.
A day later, Kuria clarified that he was not against foreign investors by stating, “We welcome Chinese investors to Kenya as manufacturers, not traders.”
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on March 2, further clarified that the country was open to international investors.
“We understand the importance of the international community and as a government, we will not make any rash decision that will antagonise our trade partners,” the DP remarked in a meeting that was also attended by Foreign CS Alfred Mutua and Interior Security CS Kithure Kindiki.
