A delegation from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) visited Morocco to scout for business opportunities and partnerships specifically in the agricultural sector, to boost the economy of both countries and create employment.
Led by the CEO Ms. Angela Ndambuki, KNCCI pitched for greater bilateral economic relations between the two countries which focused on unlocking agricultural exports from Morocco to Kenya and the larger East Africa region and vice versa. The meeting was a follow up on an earlier visit undertaken last year to Morocco by leading agricultural companies from Kenya and the East African region in pursuit of business linkages and partnerships in imports and exports of local products.
The Kenyan delegation visited various successful agricultural regions in Morocco such as Balkan, Taourirt, Karsif and Nador among others.
The agricultural sector generates the highest foreign exchange earnings for the country from products such as tea, horticulture, coffee and pyrethrum. The sector employs about three quarters of the population and contributes a quarter of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Kenya’s exports to Morocco include tea, mate, fruits, nuts, vegetable and telecommunication equipment among others while the country imports textiles, fertilizers, petroleum oils and synthetic fibres among others.
In his statement, Mr. Abdennabi Biioui, President of the Eastern Region Council assured the visiting Kenyan delegation of the Eastern Region Council’s support to all exporters in the East Africa Region. He also confirmed the Council’s readiness to work with farmers in the region which he attributed to the commitment demonstrated by Kenyan actors to deepen bilateral and economic relations with the Moroccan farmers and their willingness to import Moroccan agricultural products.
Exports from Kenya to Morocco stood at sh282.7 million (2012) while imports were sh312 million (2012).
According to Ms. Ndambuki, the Chamber will work towards forming meaningful partnerships that will help bridge the current trade deficit between Kenya and Morocco and grow trade between the two countries. “KNCCI is committed to promote commercial exchanges that will encourage supply of market information and facilitate business networking opportunities for both parties”, she said.
