Kenyan, Tanzanian manufacturers hold three-day trade talks

Manufacturers from Kenya and Tanzania have met to deliberate on trade promotion and market access between the two countries.

Food and Beverage, Edible Oils, Chemicals, Automotive, Leather and Footwear sectors are some of the manufacturing sectors that shall participate in the trade mission, hosted by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in partnership with Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI).

Leading the Kenyan delegation, KAM Chairman Mr. Mucai Kunyiha noted that addressing pertinent issues between Kenya and Tanzania will not only enhance trade between the two nations but also drive the competitiveness of products and services from both countries.

“Kenya and Tanzania have the capability and capacity to add value to the wide array of resources that both countries have for export markets. However, achieving this is hindered every time the business community encounters impediments to trade, consequently, impacting on the benefits of trade to the entire region. Her Excellency, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan recently visited Kenya. Her gesture of collaboration stands as a great example of reinvigorating relations, between Kenya and Tanzania,” explained Mr Kunyiha.

CTI Chairman, Mr. Paul Makanza, urged delegates from Kenya and Tanzania to uphold a rule-based trade relationship as a way to reduce the imposition on Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) on cross border trade. He further urged both BMOs to fast-track the comprehensive review of the EAC CET as its implementation will be critical in the promotion of domestic capacities and enhancing competitiveness of the manufacturing sector in the region.

He promised to continue collaboration with the Kenyan counterparts and called for similar engagements with other BMOs in the region.

Among the trade issues that KAM hopes to be addressed include the upper band rate of the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET); harmonization of domestic taxes; harmonization of product standards; review of the EAC Rules of Origin; and activation of the Dispute settlement mechanism.

“We recognize that trade devoid of both tariff and non-tariff barriers increases prosperity for all participating nations by allowing consumers to buy more, better-quality products at lower costs. Additionally, it drives economic growth, enhances efficiency and increases innovation,” added Mr Kunyiha.

The Trade Mission also comprises of Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions between Kenyan and Tanzanian manufacturers. This is geared towards identifying export and import products, investment opportunities, and benchmark and learn on best business practices in the two markets.

Government representatives expected to include representatives from Kenya High Commission in Tanzania, and Kenya and Tanzania Ministries for industry and Trade.

The Trade Mission is a follow-up to Presidential commitments made by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta and H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the just concluded bilateral negotiations on trade between the two States.