Kenya-Oman agricultural trade is set to receive a boost after Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Senator Mutahi Kagwe held talks with Oman’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Nasra Salim Mohamed Al-Hashmi, on expanding agricultural exports and attracting investment into Kenya’s farming sector.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Senator Mutahi Kagwe on Thursday held talks with Oman’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Nasra Salim Mohamed Al-Hashmi, on ways of deepening trade relations between the two countries.
The discussions focused on increasing exports of key Kenyan agricultural products, including tea, coffee, livestock, flowers, fruits and other horticultural produce, while also exploring new investment opportunities in the sector.
The meeting comes as Kenya continues to diversify its export markets beyond its traditional trading partners by strengthening commercial ties with countries in the Middle East and other regions.
A key area of discussion was the commercial use of underutilised agricultural land, with the two sides exploring partnerships that could attract investment, boost agricultural production and promote value addition.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the partnership would help in opening more opportunities for farmers, exporters and investors while ensuring improved economic cooperation between Kenya and Oman.
Both Kenya and the Sultanate of Oman have enjoyed historic connections that have been existing for many centuries because of trade activities conducted on the East African coastline.
These links have continued to show up in the cultural and business relationships that the two countries enjoy, especially in the coastal areas like Mombasa, Lamu, Kilifi and Kwale.
The talks were also a clear demonstration of the willingness by both governments to cooperate and work together in agriculture, trade and investment activities benefiting both nations.
If the partnership comes into fruition, then the market access of agricultural produce from Kenya in Oman will definitely be improved while at the same time providing new investment opportunities in the sector.
The Kenyan Embassy in Oman will continue working hard to ensure that there is increased trade and investments in order to foster economic ties between the two countries.
