ISLAMABAD, March 9: Africa is little known to most Pakistanis and its culture even less. But the African arts and craft exhibition on Friday provided an opportunity to the residents of the capital to see the richness of the continent’s culture.Be it clarity of form and detail, complexity of composition, balance and symmetry, African artists place high value on fine workmanship and mastery of their medium.
Organised by Nageen Rehman, the exhibition represents the rich African tribal cultures, bringing together some of the most amazing African arts and craft like sculptures, masks, drums, soapstone carvings, carved chairs, carved trees, sisal bags, sandals and other products.“We bring to you art and craft from the beautiful African continent,” said Ms Nageen.Among the exotic highlights were a range of handmade African jewellery made of bullhorns, shells and metal, bangles made by Masai women, abstract art pieces expressively carved by African Shona artists in beautiful natural soapstone and walking sticks uniquely carved out of rosewood depicting wildlife and the Masai culture of Kenya.African art which has found expression in a range of media is also presented through beautiful paintings, noted for their strong sense of colour and the black and white fascinating impressions of contemporary and well-known artist Heidi Lange.“Style is worth dying for,” said a visitor, while another thought, “African art and design had so much aesthetic appeal”.Sculptures of ebony and rosewood, carved out from one piece of wood using age-old carving techniques passed down by the Akamba craftsmen from generation to generation can also be found in the assortment of creative goodies.Wall hangings and wood carvings of various wild animals like hippopotamus, rhinoceros and giraffes, masks, fabrics, baskets and sandals were also exhibited.Mesmerised by the array of African artistic creativity, the Kenyan high commissioner, Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, said Nageen had made Kenya proud.“It feels like a special Kenya Day.
We feel honoured for giving a special thought to Kenya,” the high commissioner said.Africa had been an ignored part of Pakistan’s foreign policy, said Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Secretary-General and Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Mushahid Hussain Syed.The PML secretary-general, who was buying a Cheetah made of highly polished wood for his 18-year-old son, said: “I have been following Africa closely. It is a fascinating continent and our relations need to be enhanced.”Making the best of the occasion, Mr Syed also presented the Kenyan high commissioner a report titled ‘Pak-Africa Relations’ which looked into opportunities to increase friendship between Pakistan and the African countries.The exhibition, which opened to public at the Sugi Duty Free Shop, will continue till March 24.
By Jamal Shahid
Source; DAWN (internet edition)
March 10,2007
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Kenya seeks help in farm sector
KARACHI, Feb 8: Kenya is keen to get assistance from Pakistan in research and technology and would like to benefit from its vast experience in agriculture, particularly irrigation system, to enhance its farm production.
This was stated by Peter Kyalo Kaindi, assistant minister and leader of the 14- member Kenyan delegation, at a luncheon meeting, organised by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), here on Thursday.
Like Pakistan, he said Kenya’s mainstay is agriculture, and it would like to benefit from Pakistan’s experience and know-how and would allow duty-free import of all categories of plants and machinery related to agriculture and irrigation development.
“There is conscious policy change to look towards East, and Pakistan has been selected to be one of the countries from where Kenya can benefit a lot,” he maintained.
He further said that countries like Pakistan are more flexible and open and carry a lot of consideration for other nations.
Unlike his last visit, the minister said first they visited Islamabad and met a number of ministers, including commerce, investment and agriculture, to boost bilateral trade relations between Pakistan and Kenya.
He said Kenya would welcome assistance from Pakistan in irrigation technology to cultivate its vast barren land.Mrs Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, the high commissioner of Kenya, said Kenya would like to enhance its bilateral trade and would also look to benefit in such areas where Pakistan is well advanced and has developed required know-how.
She stressed the need for having greater trade cooperation between developing nations for the mutual benefit of poor masses.
The Kenyan delegation also comprised chairman Tea Board of Kenya, Dunstan M Nagumo, and its managing director Sicily K Kariuki.
Pakistan is the largest tea importer from Kenya and imported over 33 per cent of its total tea exports.Abdul Aziz Maniya, chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), talking to newsmen said the issue of quality and standardisation of rice had been resolved as both the sides have agreed to accommodate each others’ standards.He said Kenya would continue to accept Quality Review Committee (QRC) inspection up to March 15, which would help clear all such consignments which are already on way to Nairobi.
Director-General Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Abdul Ghaffar Soomro said that there was a difference of opinion in the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) and those of PSQCA.
However, it had been agreed that the KBS which had only three grades for rice would adopt 1 to 6 quality standards of the PSQCA for import of rice from Pakistan.
He further stated that presently the PSQCA had 1 to 9 grades for rice which are internationally registered, but the KBS had reduced the grades to three and in order to sort out the problem, both the sides have agreed to follow 1 to 6 grades of the PSQCA.
However, he said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be signed between the two countries for certification of rice and tea as laid down by the WTO conditions.
Mr Soomro said under the WTO conditions, it was necessary to certify the quality and standard of a product entering the country, therefore, lab test and certification would be done by the PSQCA once both the countries enter into MoU.
However, chairman, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan said that the QRC would inspect rice meant for export to Kenya, but from time to time the PSQCA would be monitoring the working of the QRC.
News.pakistway.com
This was stated by Peter Kyalo Kaindi, assistant minister and leader of the 14- member Kenyan delegation, at a luncheon meeting, organised by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), here on Thursday.
Like Pakistan, he said Kenya’s mainstay is agriculture, and it would like to benefit from Pakistan’s experience and know-how and would allow duty-free import of all categories of plants and machinery related to agriculture and irrigation development.
“There is conscious policy change to look towards East, and Pakistan has been selected to be one of the countries from where Kenya can benefit a lot,” he maintained.
He further said that countries like Pakistan are more flexible and open and carry a lot of consideration for other nations.
Unlike his last visit, the minister said first they visited Islamabad and met a number of ministers, including commerce, investment and agriculture, to boost bilateral trade relations between Pakistan and Kenya.
He said Kenya would welcome assistance from Pakistan in irrigation technology to cultivate its vast barren land.Mrs Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, the high commissioner of Kenya, said Kenya would like to enhance its bilateral trade and would also look to benefit in such areas where Pakistan is well advanced and has developed required know-how.
She stressed the need for having greater trade cooperation between developing nations for the mutual benefit of poor masses.
The Kenyan delegation also comprised chairman Tea Board of Kenya, Dunstan M Nagumo, and its managing director Sicily K Kariuki.
Pakistan is the largest tea importer from Kenya and imported over 33 per cent of its total tea exports.Abdul Aziz Maniya, chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), talking to newsmen said the issue of quality and standardisation of rice had been resolved as both the sides have agreed to accommodate each others’ standards.He said Kenya would continue to accept Quality Review Committee (QRC) inspection up to March 15, which would help clear all such consignments which are already on way to Nairobi.
Director-General Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Abdul Ghaffar Soomro said that there was a difference of opinion in the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KBS) and those of PSQCA.
However, it had been agreed that the KBS which had only three grades for rice would adopt 1 to 6 quality standards of the PSQCA for import of rice from Pakistan.
He further stated that presently the PSQCA had 1 to 9 grades for rice which are internationally registered, but the KBS had reduced the grades to three and in order to sort out the problem, both the sides have agreed to follow 1 to 6 grades of the PSQCA.
However, he said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be signed between the two countries for certification of rice and tea as laid down by the WTO conditions.
Mr Soomro said under the WTO conditions, it was necessary to certify the quality and standard of a product entering the country, therefore, lab test and certification would be done by the PSQCA once both the countries enter into MoU.
However, chairman, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan said that the QRC would inspect rice meant for export to Kenya, but from time to time the PSQCA would be monitoring the working of the QRC.
News.pakistway.com
Pakistan, Kenya to collaborate in agriculture
ISLAMABAD - Kipruto Arab Kirwa, Minister of Agriculture Kenya, currently on visit to Pakistan to explore cooperation in agriculture and trade called on the Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock here at the National Agricultural Research Centre, along with 25-member delegation, says a Press release issued here on Wednesday.At this occasion Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, Federal Secretary, Food, Agriculture Livestock Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Dr M. E. Tusneem, were also present.
The Kenyan Agriculture Minister said that Kenya is interested to develop their agriculture and need assistance from Pakistan and he also offer assistance for tea production in Pakistan. Both the ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture. While talking to the Kenyan Minister, Bosan said that Pakistan would extend all possible assistance for development of agriculture sector of Kenya and would also impart training to Kenyan farmers.Earlier, Dr Muhammad Ehsan Tasneem, Chairman, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) briefed the Kenyan delegation about the mandate of the PARC and various activities being carried out by the PARC. The delegation took keen interest in the briefing. Later the delegation visited PGRI, Grain Quality Testing Laboratories. The Kenyan Minister was much impressed with the working of the Pakistan scientists.
Kenya keen to strengthen bilateral trade relations with Pakistan
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
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
Pak-Kenya trade must expand beyond rice, tea
KARACHI, Nov 27 : Pakistan and Kenya must diversify their bilateral trade that is limited mostly to tea and rice, Vice President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Muhammad Naqi Bari said in a meeting with the Kenyan High Commissioner Mishi Masika Mwatsahu at KCCI. Vice President of KCCI said that the trade relation between two countries is limited to very few items and balance of trade is in favour of Kenya because Pakistan is the major buyer of Kenyan tea.
He suggested that there is a great potential of joint ventures in light engineering, information technology and tourism.
Pakistan is also producing defence products like tanks, armoured vehicles, trainer aircraft, cement plants and ships.
He also highlighted the need of holding regular trade exhibitions between two countries and suggested exploring possibilities of signing a PTA between the two countries.
Kenyan High Commissioner Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, said that the trade volume between two countries is around $200 million, which could be increased to a much higher level, through joint efforts.
Kenyan High Commissioner stressed on the need of identifying the constraints in expanding trade between the two countries and maintaining active follow up of the matters discussed in the meeting and increased coordination between the Karachi Chamber and the Kenyan High Commission in Islamabad.
He suggested that there is a great potential of joint ventures in light engineering, information technology and tourism.
Pakistan is also producing defence products like tanks, armoured vehicles, trainer aircraft, cement plants and ships.
He also highlighted the need of holding regular trade exhibitions between two countries and suggested exploring possibilities of signing a PTA between the two countries.
Kenyan High Commissioner Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, said that the trade volume between two countries is around $200 million, which could be increased to a much higher level, through joint efforts.
Kenyan High Commissioner stressed on the need of identifying the constraints in expanding trade between the two countries and maintaining active follow up of the matters discussed in the meeting and increased coordination between the Karachi Chamber and the Kenyan High Commission in Islamabad.
Kenya asks Pakistani investors for setting up textile units in Kenya
Faisalabad: Kenyan High Commissioner Mishi Masika Mwatsahu has invited Pakistani investors to set up textile units in Kenya to avail the tariff concession facility for export to Europe and other developing countries. She was addressing the leading textile exporters during her visit to the Faisalabad Dry Port.
She said Pakistan and Kenya enjoy close political and business relations since their independence. She appreciated the vision of President Pervez Musharraf to put Pakistan on road to economic progress and prosperity. She said that Kenyan government was also implementing a revolutionary strategy with a new commitment.
However, "The major challenge is industrial development and in this connection we are reviewing our investment policies," she said adding that government has provided an efficient customs, port management and transport system in addition to the provision of cheap utilities and skilled manpower.
She stressed for joint venture to exploit the business opportunities available in Kenya and said that Faisalabad has made phenomenal growth in textile sector and could help Kenya revive it for the benefit of the two countries.
She said that Pakistani industrialists could avail the tariff concession facilities available to Kenya for the export of textiles to European countries.
Chairman Faisalabad Dry Port Trust (FDPT) Chaudhry Muhammad Siddique also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, Mishi Masika Mwatsahu visited various parts of the Dry Port and appreciated its management. – BR
Sources: South Asia Logistics
July 21, 2006
She said Pakistan and Kenya enjoy close political and business relations since their independence. She appreciated the vision of President Pervez Musharraf to put Pakistan on road to economic progress and prosperity. She said that Kenyan government was also implementing a revolutionary strategy with a new commitment.
However, "The major challenge is industrial development and in this connection we are reviewing our investment policies," she said adding that government has provided an efficient customs, port management and transport system in addition to the provision of cheap utilities and skilled manpower.
She stressed for joint venture to exploit the business opportunities available in Kenya and said that Faisalabad has made phenomenal growth in textile sector and could help Kenya revive it for the benefit of the two countries.
She said that Pakistani industrialists could avail the tariff concession facilities available to Kenya for the export of textiles to European countries.
Chairman Faisalabad Dry Port Trust (FDPT) Chaudhry Muhammad Siddique also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, Mishi Masika Mwatsahu visited various parts of the Dry Port and appreciated its management. – BR
Sources: South Asia Logistics
July 21, 2006
'Karachi to start getting more power by month-end'
KARACHI, March 17: Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan said on Friday that emergent steps were being taken to overcome the shortage of electricity and the situation would soon improve.The Karachi would start getting additional 400MW power by the end of March, Governor said adding the city needed 2100MW power during peak hours against a total supply of 1700MW, but now there would be no such shortage."We would be able to overcome the power shortage by the end of current month," he said and added that K-III project was also near to completion that would help meet the shortage of 160MGD water.
The Governor was addressing the traders at the annual dinner of the Federal B Area Association of Trade & Industry Karachi on Thursday night.Governor also announced a grant of Rs five million for the association. He said three under-passes were being built in city at the time while the road from Site to airport would be made signal-free in next phase.Sindh Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui, Labour & Industries Minister Adil Siddiqui and Association's Chairman Rehan Zeeshan also addressed the occasion.BD MINISTER, OTHERS MEET SINDH GOVERNOR: Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan and Minister of State & Chairman, Privatisation Commission of Bangladesh, Inam Ahmed Chaudhry on Friday called for establishing knowledge-based contacts for strengthening relations in trade, culture, social and other sectors of two countries.
They were of unanimous view that the Muslims had a dominant part in historical and cultural heritage of subcontinent and that the Muslims had played an important role in art of construction, fine arts, poetry and literature, which is the real identity of subcontinent.They exchanged such views at a meeting held at Governor House, Karachi. Inam Ahmed Chaudhry led a six-member delegation from Bangladesh. Governor Ibad and the Bangladeshi minister viewed that the Muslim civilisation of the subcontinent promoted peace, love and fraternity and we should highlight this as an identity of civilisation the world over.Governor Ebad briefed the foreign dignitary on local government system in Pakistan while Inam Ahmed Chaudhry told about micro finance banking in Bangladesh, which according to him had benefited the rural population.
A delegation of 24 foreign participants of Advanced Diplomatic Course from Academy of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad also called on the governor on Friday while High Commissioner of Kenya, Mrs Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, Honorary Consul General of Lebanon, Najeeb Anwar Baig and Honorary Consul General of Canada, Byram D. Avari met the governor on Thursday evening.
Mar 18, 2006
Balozi meets Senior Federal Defence Minister
Rao Sikandar Iqbal
_______________
ISLAMABAD—Pakistan and Oman will soon start direct flights between Islamabad and Muscat. This was agreed during a meeting between Senior Federal Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal and the Omani Ambassador to Pakistan Mr Mohammad Bin Said Bin Mohamed Al-Lawati.
Later, the High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan Mrs. Mishi Masika Mwatsahu also called on the Minister and discussed with him matters of mutual interest. The Kenyan envoy told the minister that her country attaches utmost importance to its relations with Pakistan and desired to further expand and strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries. She praised the quality and standard of the defence industry of Pakistan and said that her country was keen to benefit of the defence industry of Pakistan. She thanked the government of Pakistan for providing training to the military personnel of Kenya.
By Hina Kiyani
Kenyan envoy visits ICCI
ISLAMABAD (APP) - The Kenyan Ambassador to Pakistan Mrs Mishi Masika Mwatsahu here on Monday visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and held talks with the business community to explore the potentials existed between Pakistan and Kenya.
In a statement, the Ambassador said Kenya holds prominent position in African region and welcomes Pakistani investment in Kenya due to positive change in Global scenario.On this occasion, Commercial Councillor of Kenya, Mian Akram Farid, Khalid Javed, Siddique Butt, Former Presidents ICCI, Sohail Hussain Senior Vice President ICCI, Abdul Qayyum, Abdul Waheed, Tariq Janjua and Khalid Mahmood Ch. were also present.
Kenyan Ambassador said her country would fully support and safeguard the Pakistani investment.Pakistani Industrialists can instigate industries in textile, yarn, medical equipment, surgical instruments, sports goods, agro industries, cotton value added industry, pharmaceutical and light engineering, she said and invited Pakistani traders to visit Kenya.
Abdul Rauf President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) in his address, said implementation of WTO has turned the world into global village, world market is more competitive and there is a dire need to explore new markets.He further proposed that Traders of Pakistan and Kenya should take steps to organise single country exhibitions in each others country which would be serving as platform to introduce their products.He assured that ICCI will fully cooperate with Kenyan traders to enhance bilateral trade between both the countries.
He asked the Kenyan Ambassador to issue multiple visas to Pakistan businessmen and reduce the time period for visa process.The ICCI chief further said trade volume between both countries is very low which should be enhanced.He announced to send a trade delegation to Kenya from ICCI and ICCI would also take serious measures to introduce Kenyan products in Islamabad by organising trade fair.
February 21, 2006
Kenya celebrates Independence Day
Coat of Arms
__________________
Islamabad—On the auspicious occasion of the independence day of the Republic of Kenya, the High Commissioner Ms Mishi Masika Mwatsahu organized a reception on Tuesday at the residence, which was attended by a large number of people belonging to different walks of life.The chief guest was the Federal State Minister of Health Begum Shehnaz Sheikh, who spent there sufficient time, mixing with the diplomats and other elite of Islamabad-Rawalpindi.
The Kenyian High Commissioner Ms Mishi Masika was the center of attraction. She was courteous, smiling and accommodating in her usual humble and decent style that earns her so many admirers. She was in high spirit and excellent mood with her elegant counter pass. December 12, 1963 the Republic of Kenya was declared officially “Independence Day” when Kenya attained full independence from British rule and with the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta as the country’s first president, as a result of long struggle in which many lives were lost as ordinary Kenyans fought -for their freedom.
Kenya’s founding father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta likened the task ahead of the new nation to that of workers with a burden, which could only be overcome by working together successfully. Now-a-days H.E. Mwai Kibaki CGH MP, is the President of the Republic of Kenya. Kenya’s economy has been steadily improving and growing at an impressive pace since 2003 as a result of the positive economic policies and support to key sectors of the economy by the Government.
Source:Observer Report
undated
Kenyan High Commissioner in MAJU
Islamabad (MAJU) :
The Kenyan High Commissioner to Pakistan H.E Mrs. Mishi Masika Mwatsahu inaugurated art Exhibition organized by students of Mohamed Ali Jinnah University MAJU.
She asked different questions about the Exhibition and showed keen interest in student’s works.
After the inauguration session she met EVP Syed Ali Imran and shared her views on different topics especially in education sector in Pakistan. She also visited different classrooms of the campus. In the end the EVP presented the university shield to the High Commissioner.
More business for Kenya
KARACHI: Pakistan and Kenya must diversify their bilateral trade that is limited mostly to tea and rice, Vice President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Muhammad Naqi Bari said in a meeting with the Kenyan High Commissioner, H.E. Mishi Masika Mwatsahu at KCCI on Saturday.
Vice President of KCCI said that the trade relation between two countries is limited to very few items and balance of trade is in favour of Kenya because Pakistan is the major buyer of Kenyan Tea.
He suggested that there is a great potential of joint ventures in light engineering, information technology and tourism.
Pakistan is also producing defence products like tanks, armoured vehicles, trainer aircraft, cement plants and ships.
He also highlighted the need of holding regular trade exhibitions between two countries and suggested exploring possibilities of signing a PTA between the two countries.
He suggested that there is a great potential of joint ventures in light engineering, information technology and tourism.
Pakistan is also producing defence products like tanks, armoured vehicles, trainer aircraft, cement plants and ships.
He also highlighted the need of holding regular trade exhibitions between two countries and suggested exploring possibilities of signing a PTA between the two countries.
Kenyan High Commissioner, H.E. Mishi Masika Mwatsahu, said that the trade volume between two countries is around $200 million, which could be increased to a much higher level, through joint efforts.
Kenyan High Commissioner stressed on the need of identifying the constraints in expanding trade between the two countries and maintaining active follow up of the matters discussed in the meeting and increased coordination between the Karachi Chamber and the Kenyan High Commission in Islamabad.
Source:The International News,
Nov 28, 2005
Nov 28, 2005
Encouraging more business to Kenya
Kenya has offered all support and facilitation to Pakistani businessmen to capture big market of 38 African states, which are landlocked to Kenya that has international seaport of Mumbasay. “Kenya is gateway to other African states.
You people should visit more and strengthen your base in Kenya to sell your products in the entire region,” said High Commissioner of Republic of Kenya, Mrs Mishi Maskika Mwatsahu in a meeting with members of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) here at Federation House on Friday.
She was accompanied by her Commercial Attache, Bramah L. Kaleve and Honorary Consul in Karachi, Mohammad Hanif Janoo. Prominent on FPCCI side were President FPCCI, Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed, Vice President FPCCI, Akbar Abdullah, Dr Mushtaq Noorwala, Aziz Damji, Arshad Vohara. FPCCI chief underlined the need to identify Pakistani goods entering Kenya through a third country which increased the price for consumers there that could be reduced through direct trade. He informed the meeting that Pakistan had floated tenders for construction of warehouse facility in Kenya, which was very much awaited to increase Pakistan’s trade share in Africa. Vice President FPCCI, Akbar Abdullah pointed out that high rate of railway fare, from Mumbasay seaport to Uganda and other African states, was a major blockage in this regard. “Railway fare to Uganda from Mumbasay is more than the shipping charges from Karachi to Mumbasay port that makes it difficult for Pakistani businessmen to compete”, he said. Dr Mushtaq Noorwala complained that the registration of Pakistani pharmaceutical items in Kenya took more than one year against six months, the original official time fixed by Kenyan authorities.
Thus, despite qualifying in quality at international standards, Pakistani pharmaceutical companies could not sell their products in Kenya and onwards. The HC of Kenya assured that the registration process would be expedited. However, she said, any complaints regarding trade with Kenya should be moved through FPCCI so that these could be addressed at priority.
President FPCCI, Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed urged that Kenya should reciprocate to Pakistan by more imports from here as Pakistan had best quality products particularly in textile, fabrics, yarn, sports, surgical and leather sectors. “We can enter joint ventures in IT sector as Pakistan excels in Information Technology,” he said adding that present bilateral trade status was in favour of Kenya which should be equalized. Pakistan was major tea importer from Kenya which brought huge bill to Pakistan. “If this trade imbalance continues, we will have to look for other markets to import tea,” FPCCI chief said.
Source; ABN tv
11.26.05
Kenya assures exporters of resolving issue: PSI of coarse rice
KARACHI, Nov 24: Kenyan High Commissioner Ms Mishi Masika Mwatsahu on Thursday assured rice exporters of resolving all their issues, including a condition laid down by the Kenyan government for carrying out pre-shipment inspection (PSI) of coarse rice by world renowned companies.
Speaking to rice exporters at a luncheon meeting organized by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap), the Kenyan envoy suggested that a committee of rice exporters should be formed to meet her in Islamabad next week and discuss all issues and problems confronting them.Reap Chairman Haji Abdul Majid raised the issue of PSI and sought Ms Mwatsahu’s assistance for resolving the matter as it was causing a lot of hardship and extra cost to rice exporters.
The Reap chief said since the Quality Review Committee (QRC) of the Export Promotion Bureau was carrying out the PSI of Basmati rice to the satisfaction of importers belonging to 92 countries, the same could be adopted for Irri-6 or coarse rice being imported by Kenyan traders.Besides incurring high cost for hiring services of world’s renowned PSI companies, there is also a lot of delay in shipments as well as payments that disturb smooth trade between the two countries.
Mr Majid points out that the PSI carried out by the QRC costs around 5 cents per ton, whereas the same comes to around $5 per ton when services of foreign companies are hired.He said further that exporters’ margin was not more than one to two dollars and they could no afford to hire such costly services.
Ms Mwatsahu said the issue of PSI carried a lot of weight and she would do her best to resolve it at the earliest. However, she pointed out that cordial relations between the two governments were not translated into reality by business communities of both the countries and there was a lot more needed be done for enhancing the trade volume as well as diversification in the two-way trade.The Kenyan high commissioner said Pakistani coarse rice (Irri-6) was very much popular in her country because of high quality and taste. She suggested that Reap should also involve Kenyan importers for removing the PSI condition.She said last year, the Pakistan-Kenya Join Ministerial Commission meeting was held in Kenya but the next meeting in 2006 will be held in Pakistan. She said the PSI issue could be taken up at the JMC meeting to find some solution.
Former Reap chairman Abdul Rahim Janoo said the association would soon be joining a “billion dollar club” on achieving the export target of $1 billion by June 2006. He said this year exports stood at $933 million, showing a growth of 47 per cent over the last year.Mr Janoo said the first meeting of Reap’s new managing committee would be held in Lahore next month and it would also form a delegation that should visit Kenya as the rice season had begun. He said at this time of a year there was a lot of rice and Pakistani exporters could interact with their importers in Kenya to finalize deals.
Honorary Consul General of Kenya Hanif Janoo said Kenya was the largest rice importer of Pakistan and similarly Pakistan was the largest tea importer of Kenya, therefore both the countries should promote and facilitate bilateral trade relations. He suggested that business communities of the two countries should try to diversify their exports by making frequent visits to each other’s country.
Source: Sources; Word Trade Review
Fortnightly from Islamabad –Pakistan
Speaking to rice exporters at a luncheon meeting organized by the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap), the Kenyan envoy suggested that a committee of rice exporters should be formed to meet her in Islamabad next week and discuss all issues and problems confronting them.Reap Chairman Haji Abdul Majid raised the issue of PSI and sought Ms Mwatsahu’s assistance for resolving the matter as it was causing a lot of hardship and extra cost to rice exporters.
The Reap chief said since the Quality Review Committee (QRC) of the Export Promotion Bureau was carrying out the PSI of Basmati rice to the satisfaction of importers belonging to 92 countries, the same could be adopted for Irri-6 or coarse rice being imported by Kenyan traders.Besides incurring high cost for hiring services of world’s renowned PSI companies, there is also a lot of delay in shipments as well as payments that disturb smooth trade between the two countries.
Mr Majid points out that the PSI carried out by the QRC costs around 5 cents per ton, whereas the same comes to around $5 per ton when services of foreign companies are hired.He said further that exporters’ margin was not more than one to two dollars and they could no afford to hire such costly services.
Ms Mwatsahu said the issue of PSI carried a lot of weight and she would do her best to resolve it at the earliest. However, she pointed out that cordial relations between the two governments were not translated into reality by business communities of both the countries and there was a lot more needed be done for enhancing the trade volume as well as diversification in the two-way trade.The Kenyan high commissioner said Pakistani coarse rice (Irri-6) was very much popular in her country because of high quality and taste. She suggested that Reap should also involve Kenyan importers for removing the PSI condition.She said last year, the Pakistan-Kenya Join Ministerial Commission meeting was held in Kenya but the next meeting in 2006 will be held in Pakistan. She said the PSI issue could be taken up at the JMC meeting to find some solution.
Former Reap chairman Abdul Rahim Janoo said the association would soon be joining a “billion dollar club” on achieving the export target of $1 billion by June 2006. He said this year exports stood at $933 million, showing a growth of 47 per cent over the last year.Mr Janoo said the first meeting of Reap’s new managing committee would be held in Lahore next month and it would also form a delegation that should visit Kenya as the rice season had begun. He said at this time of a year there was a lot of rice and Pakistani exporters could interact with their importers in Kenya to finalize deals.
Honorary Consul General of Kenya Hanif Janoo said Kenya was the largest rice importer of Pakistan and similarly Pakistan was the largest tea importer of Kenya, therefore both the countries should promote and facilitate bilateral trade relations. He suggested that business communities of the two countries should try to diversify their exports by making frequent visits to each other’s country.
Source: Sources; Word Trade Review
Fortnightly from Islamabad –Pakistan
Envoys present credentials to President
President Gen. Pervez Musharraf
___________________________
ISLAMABAD—Five Ambassadors and two High Commissioners from Canada, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Kenya and Netherlands today presented their credential papers to the President General Pervez Musharraf at an impressive ceremony.
The Ambassador-designate of Republic of Germany Dr. Gunter Mulack,
the High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of Kenya, Madame Mishi Masika Mwatsahu,
the Ambassador-designate of Netherland, Mr. Willem Andreae,
the Ambassador-designate of Hungary, Mr. Bela Fazekas,
the High Commissioner-designate of Canada Mr. David Collins,
the Ambassador-designate of Finland Mr. Pirjo Irmeli Mustonen and
the Ambassador-designate of France,
Mr. Regis De Belenet also held bilateral discussions with the President after presenting their nomination papers.The Envoys-designates arrived at the Aiwan-e-Sadr separately and were greeted in a smartly turned out Contingent of Pakistan Army which presented the diplomats the Guard of Honour. National anthems of Pakistan and the respective countries were also played on the occasion.—PPA
Source: The Daily Mail (Online)
October, 1, 2005
AMBASSADORIAL APPOINTMENTS
H.E President Kibaki
___________________
State House, Nairobi
HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI OF KENYA HAS APPOINTED THE FOLLOWING AMBASSADORS/HIGH COMMISSIONERS:
1. MRS. MISHI MASIKA MWATSAHU as the new HIGH COMMISSIONER OF KENYA TO THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN. HAS PREVIOUSLY WORKED AS TOWN CLERK IN MALINDI. CURRENTLY WORKING AS THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING, NAIROBI CITY COUNCIL.
2, MR. ALI ABBAS AS THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF KENYA TO TEHRAN. A CAREER DIPLOMAT CURRENTLY WORKING AS PRINCIPAL COUNSELOR IN THE HIGH COMMISSION, DAR-ES-SALAAM.
3. MR GEORGE OWUOR, PROMOTED TO RANK OF AMBASSADOR. CURRENTLY WORKING AS PRINCIPAL COUNSELLOR IN KENYA MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK. HAS SERVED AS CHIEF OF PROTOCOL AND COUNSELOR IN WASHINGTON, USA.
4. MR. P. R. O. OWADE, PROMOTED TO RANK OF AMBASSADOR. CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE KENYA MISSION TO THE UNTED NATIONS IN GENEVA AS DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION. HAS SERVED AS DIRECTOR FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE IN NEW YORK AND COUNSELOR, TOKYO, JAPAN.
5. MR. HARRY MUTUMA KATHURIMA MOVES TO BERLIN AS AMBASSODOR. CURRENTLY SERVING AS KENYA'S HIGH COMMISSIONER TO INDIA. HE HAS PREVIOUSLY SERVED AS PERMANENT SECRETARY, MINISTRIES OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, LANDS AND SETTLEMENT, AND CHIEF OF PROTOCOL.
6. MR. SOSPETER MAGITA MACHAGE AS THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF KENYA TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION. CURRENTLY WORKING AS A MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF TRANSMARA MEDICARE.
Amb. Francis K. Muthaura, EGH
PERMANENT SECRETARY, SECRETARY TO THE CABINET AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE
20th, April, 2005
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
