Kenya is pursuing a new trade deal with the United Arabs Emirates to export coconuts and potatoes after a successful pact that saw the first batch of Avocados exported to China.
In July, the two countries started talks on the United Arab Emirates-Kenya Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (UAEK-CEPA) to increase trade volume in goods and services and investment.
“This is the latest agreement we have and we hope will continue with it under President William Ruto. It is ready for negotiation and have paused it for the transition, and Emiratis are eagerly waiting for us to go back to the table.” Johnson Weru, the Trade and Enterprise principal secretary.
Dubai, as the commercial and trading hub of the Middle East, has long been regarded as the gateway of trade between Kenya and the rest of the world.
However, the relationship between the two countries has been marked by a huge trade imbalance in favour of the UAE.
UAE is now Kenya’s second largest source market after China on the back of soaring oil prices, having overtaken India.
Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show expenditure on imports — largely petroleum products — from the Middle East more than doubled in the first six months of the year.
The trade pact once concluded is expected to be in line with East Africa Community trade treaty.
