- Hold private sector’s business forum
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia and Kenya have come to a consensus for the finalization of the simplified cross-border trade and addressing the bureaucracy and delayed processes on the Moyale border, Kenya’s Ambassador disclosed.
Kenya Associations of Manufacturers (KAM) in collaboration with the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association (ACCSA) held a business forum yesterday that aims to promote cross-border trade initiatives between the two countries.
Speaking at the occasion, Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia George M. Orina MBS said that the business forum would contribute to the full implementation of a special-status agreement as well as to increase the two countries’ trade volume. It would also enable the parties to explore opportunities in trade, investment, infrastructure and food security areas.
Accordingly, both countries agreed on finalizing the simplified cross-border trade agreement to ease the bureaucracy and ensure seamless exchange on the Moyale border. The Moyale border would give a special opportunity to the development of the two countries and improve bilateral trade.
Lauding Ethiopia’s huge contribution to Kenya’s struggle for independence, Ambassador M. Orina highlighted the two countries’ long and cordial relationships. “Moreover, the structural bilateral framework cooperation agreements made between the two countries have been progressing from time to time and became instrumental in the field of defense, security and tourism, investment and trade, immigration, good governance, foreign relations, and others.”
Ethiopia and Kenya have a thrilling special-status agreement in trade and the accord provides a guarantee for trade, investment, infrastructure, food security, and sustainable livelihoods sectors. “These are areas that move the cooperation of the two countries to a higher level,” he expressed optimism.
For her part, ACCSA President Mesenbet Shenkute stated that the meeting is critical to identify the untapped potential in cross-border trade between Ethiopia and Kenya, emphasizing the need to nurture and strengthen the two countries’ bilateral ties. “Prime attention should be given to enhance the Ethio-Kenya longstanding relations in the realms of trade and investment.”
In her address, the KAM’s Head of Consultancy and Business Development Joyce Njogu emphasized the importance of the business-to-business forum to pursue global competitiveness. The KAM has been working to promote trade and investment and facilitate a business environment for all. Also, it is engaged to reduce the cost of doing business.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 25 APRIL 2024
