The Prime Minister of Ukraine, H.E Mr. Volodymyr Groysman, has challenged Kenya to seek more areas of economic collaboration so to address the current trade balance which currently stands at under $70 Million.
Speaking when he met the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Justin Muturi who had called on him, Mr. Groysman noted that despite Ukraine having established relations with Kenya in 1990m there had been little economic collaboration and urged for the employment of deliberate efforts to enhance the existing relations.
” I am happy Mr.Speaker that you came to visit Kyiv. I wish to invite your government at the highest trade policy level to Kyiv to share with us your rules of business and the existing opportunities in trade”, he urged.
He further appealed to Kenya to establish a fully-fledged mission in Kyivso as to facilitate the fostering of the envisaged economic collaboration.
On his part, Speaker Muturi noted that Ukraine has created a niche in the Agriculture sector which Kenya would be keen to tap into in her bid to address food insecurity.
Speaker Muturi further invited Ukraine to explore the importation of Kenyan coffee, tea and flowers terming them as among the best quality in the world. On this, Mr. Groysman noted that Kenyan farmers were welcome to export their tea and coffee to Ukraine once a proper mechanism is put in place.
” Your Excellency, if you taste Kenyan coffee or tea, you will never taste any other”, Speaker Muturi joked.
He also urged investors from Ukraine to plug in into the tourism sector, noting that both countries possess untapped tourism markets .
Terming Kenya as the gateway to East and Central Africa, Speaker Muturi extolled the huge market that the region possesses for Ukraine investors, and urged them to seek investment in irrigation for a guaranteed return on investment.
Speaker Muturi expressed gratitude for the warm reception by the people and the government of Ukraine, an undertook that Kenya would be seeking the conclusion of the pending memoranda between the two states.
He further lauded Kyiv for establishing a consulate in Mombasa terming the move as a sure testament that Ukraine had all intention to seek closer ties with Kenya.
Speaker Muturi and his delegation are set to meet the Minister of Foreign Affair tomorrow before concluding the 4-day official visit