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28 MAR KEPSA MEETS U.S. DELEGATION ON TRADE
- Published On: 2022-03-21
28MAR
KEPSA MEETS U.S. DELEGATION ON TRADE
KEPSA, led by Mr. James Mureu – Chair, KEPSA Economic Diplomacy Sector Board; Dr. Bimal Kantaria – KEPSA Director & Chair, Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET) and Ms. Martha Cheruto – KEPSA Deputy CEO on 21st March 2022 hosted a U.S. Delegation on Trade at the KEPSA offices. The delegation was led by Mr. Brandon Casey – Ways & Means Committee Majority Staff Director and comprised of a team from the U.S. House of Representatives. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the private sector perspective on the ongoing Kenya-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In his statement, Mr. Mureu noted that AGOA is a great example of how governments can support the private sector. He noted that the program was a success, especially in Kenya’s textile industry. At the same time, Dr. Kantaria proposed that in the review of the progress and success of AGOA, the U.S Government should consider extending it as the deliberations on the FTA continues. He further highlighted his reservations for the FTA especially to the Agriculture sector indicating the need to protect the local sector. Other issues such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Related Non-Tariff Barriers that needed to be addressed came up. Dr. Kantaria mentioned the challenges of exporting flowers to the U.S still remain due to existing barriers despite the fact that Kenya has a direct flight to the U.S.
The KEPSA team further highlighted that the FTA between Kenya and the U.S was a welcome move that could focus on investments and trade, technology transfer & capacity building, finance, labour, tourism, manufacturing and transport.
The Kenya Investment Authority, represented by Mr. Pius Rotich also made a presentation. Mr. Rotich indicated that Kenya is favourably placed in the African continent with an almost central reach to all parts of the continent. He also noted that the country currently improving major infrastructure to support private sector investment.
In his response, Mr. Casey pointed out that the U.S is committed to resuming discussions on the FTA. He said that part of the visit was to establish the private sector perspective on the FTA and AGOA. He mentioned that they planned to commission a study to find out the successes and shortcomings of AGOA. He went on to say that the U.S Government is cognizant of the fact that AGOA was a success for some countries in Africa and also some sectors benefitted more than others. The study is meant to establish the best structure for such a program.
Mr. Casey was accompanied by Alexandra Whittaker – Majority Chief Trade Counsel; Jorge Rueda – Majority Trade Counsel; Melissa Kiedrowicz – Majority Director of Member Services; Josh Snead -Minority Trade Counsel; Jennifer Thornton – Minority Trade Counsel and William Campbell – Economic Officer, U.S. Embassy.