KARACHI: Deputy High Commissioner of Kenya Daniel Nganda has stressed the need for removing trade barriers between Kenya and Pakistan, saying that the Kenyan Mission in Pakistan is committed to unlocking the full potential of trade and investment relations by collaborating with government and private sector stakeholders.
“To strengthen our bilateral ties, we must develop mechanisms to address and eliminate trade barriers and organise joint business networking sessions, seminars, conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs,” he said while speaking at a meeting during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
Nganda noted, “Trade, in my view, is not merely conducted on paper but with purpose. This necessitates collaboration between our governments to eliminate trade bottlenecks through relevant regulatory bodies. Our goal is to foster a business-friendly environment that facilitates the smooth exchange of goods, services and investments.”
He highlighted that Kenya and Pakistan share warm and cordial relations, primarily driven by strong trade and investment ties. “Our bilateral relationship dates back to 1964, the year Kenya gained independence. If you visit Kenya, you will find a significant Pakistani community, many of whom have become citizens — a testament to the enduring bond between our peoples.”
Nganda described Karachi as a pivotal city in Pakistan, representing a substantial share of the country’s commercial activities. “We recognise Karachi’s importance as a gateway for Kenyan goods, including tea, to access not only the Pakistani market but also markets beyond.”
Reaffirming the Kenyan High Commission’s commitment to expanding the trade and investment portfolio, he said, “While we have initiated numerous efforts to bolster economic cooperation, there remains untapped potential in our bilateral relations. We are eager to send business delegations and participate in high-level business-to-business meetings to explore new avenues for collaboration.” Earlier, Senior Vice President of KCCI Ziaul Arfeen, while welcoming the Kenyan deputy high commissioner, stressed the importance of diversifying the trade basket to enhance trade and exports between Pakistan and Kenya. He highlighted the potential for value-added food products such as vegetables and citrus fruits, as well as textile products, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, electrical appliances, cosmetics, leather goods, IT products and financial services. Expanding trade in these sectors, he noted, would create new opportunities and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
