High Commissioner Willy Bett addresses an interactive meeting on “Kenya Trade, Investment & Tourism Forum” in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad: Describing Kenya as the gateway to Africa and the historically close trade and people’s relations between Kenya and India, especially Gujarat, Kenya’s high commissioner to India, Willy Bett on Thursday urged trade and industry leaders from Gujarat and India to invest in his country.
“Kenya is the gateway to Africa, especially East and Central Africa. Kenya is a regional economic hub and offers the most robust environment and infrastructure for business. Kenya has special economic partnerships with the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area, ensuring easy access to the wider markets in Africa and not just the Kenyan market,” Mr. Bett said at an interactive meeting on “Kenya Trade, Investment & Tourism Forum” in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The high commissioner stressed that Kenya’s preferential trade agreements with the US and Europe also offer enormous opportunities for manufacturers having a presence in Kenya. He said Kenya has been focusing on becoming business-centric.
“We have improved our ease of doing business ranking from 170 in 2012 to 56 in 2019. We are continuing our efforts to further improve the ranking. The new government in Kenya is talking about nothing but business. The kind of approach, focus, opportunities, and environment being created for investors in Kenya is unlike any other. The time to invest in Kenya is now,” he added.
India and Kenya share strong trade relations with bilateral trade at close to $2.2 billion last year. India’s exports to Kenya were $2.1 billion, making it the second biggest exporter to the African nation. With $95 million, India was Kenya’s 18th biggest export destination.
Some of the major Kenyan exports to India include legumes, tea, and carbonates, while the major imports from India are medicines, petroleum oils, semi-finished iron or non-alloy steel, motorcycles, goods vehicles, etc. Kenya is also home to a large Indian diaspora, many of whom have origins in Gujarat and Punjab. The diaspora is making a significant contribution to the Kenyan economy and in strong people ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the session earlier, Pathik Patwari, President of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), said, “Kenya is the first name when it comes to the mind of Indians, especially Gujaratis when Africa is mentioned. Kenya is poised for big economic growth. It is the gateway to East Africa and strategically very important for exports. We have already invested in Kenya and it is an excellent investment destination.”
Bharat Patel, President of Knowledge Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), said, “Kenya offers an excellent business environment and opportunities. I am confident the trade opportunities are set to grow to the next level.”
The session was attended by a large number of trade and industry leaders from Ahmedabad. The session was supported by GCCI, KCCI, Laghu Udyog Bharti, and Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association.
