KARACHI, Feb 8 (APP)- Kenya is keen to further strengthen bilateral trade relations with Pakistan and seek technical cooperation for improving its crop irrigation system.
This was stated by the leader of high-power Kenyan goodwill delegation and Assistant Minister Peter Kyalo Kaindi at a luncheon meeting hosted by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) here Thursday.
Kenyan High Commissioner Mrs Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, Secretary Agriculture Kenya Dr W A Songa Ogw, Director General Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, Managing Director Kenya Tea Board Mrs Sicily K Kariuki and managing director, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) Dr Kioko Mang’eli were also present on the occasion.
Kenyan minister said the basic purpose of the visit was to interact with Pakistani authorities the ways and means to further strengthen bilateral trade relations and acquire technical cooperation from Pakistan in agriculture sector.
He said that African countries including Kenya were now looking towards the East specially Pakistan for cooperation in every field. He was of the opinion that East is more flexible and cooperative in offering services and technical cooperation. Kaindi said that Pakistan has acquired expertise in crop irrigation sector and water-scarce Kenya needed transfer of technology from Pakistan.
Kenya offers zero duty tariff on irrigation system and seek direct investment, joint ventures and technical cooperation in irrigation sector. Referring to his meetings with Pakistani high ups in Islamabad, he said that matters related to rice exports from Pakistan to Kenya have been solved and a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed soon between KBS and Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority for the certification of rice export to Kenya. Kaindi highly appreciated the hospitality and support from various ministries including Commerce, Industries and Production and said that talks were fruitful. He said Pakistan is the major market for tea and Kenyan tea authorities and traders wanted to interact with their buyers in Pakistan.
Later, top officials of KBS, PSQCA and REAP office bearers discussed the methods for rice inspection and quality certification. They agreed that KBS and PSQCA will sign MoU soon to formulate a set procedure for rice export certification.
Associated Press of Pakistan Corp
Feb, 8, 2007
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