The Government of Kenya has held a sensitization workshop on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) which aimed to provide an operational framework for implementing the landmark agreement between Kenya and the EU.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Investments, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya inaugurated the Sensitization Workshop at Strathmore University alongside the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, the CS said that after several years of working towards delivering a permanent agreement between Kenya and the EU, the government has managed to sign and ratify the agreement which was done on December 18, 2023 and is finally ready to proceed with the implementation phase.

‘This economic partnership agreement is now effective, in its implementation starting July 1st 2024,’ he affirmed, adding that the formidable partnership will provide sustainable trade opportunities, offering immense potential to Kenyan exporte
rs in a market worth 13 trillion Euros.

The CS highlighted that the agreement will expand supply relations, facilitate duty free and quota -free access to EU markets and enhance investment opportunities not only for Kenya but also for the rest of Africa.

‘As part of the implementation, a sensitization meeting for the private sector, civil society for the exporters and other stakeholders is key so that we can lay-down the institutional framework to ensure successful implementation of the Agreement to all stakeholders,’ explained Mvurya.

He maintained that the Government of Kenya is committed to working closely with the private sectors to identify market opportunities, finance trade, and add value to Kenyan products to ensure their sustainability and standards as they enter the 27 European countries.

‘Basically this union will provide the necessary support needed and to market the implementation of the agreement which opens new access to markets in 27 countries in Europe and therefore we want to sensitize t
he private sector and all stakeholders that know our products to find new markets in Europe,’ reported the CS.

Further, he called upon the EU to collaborate with Kenya in negotiating a trade in service protocol, which would give Kenyan professionals access to a broader market niche and once reviewed, engineers, doctor’s nurses’ technicians among others and many other services will equally enjoy a bigger and free market for services between Europe and Kenya.

The CS also encouraged Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in both the public and private sector to seize the opportunities presented by the agreement by supplying high-value, premium manufactured products to global markets.

Making her remarks, the European Union (EU) Ambassador Henriette Geiger lauded the significant strides made towards operationalization of the agreement, calling for enhanced inclusive familiarization countrywide, terming that the agreement will provide larger secure markets, support regional integration, foster industrializa
tion, promote shared values and provide easier trade facilitation.

‘You have free access to the biggest and most prosperous common market in the world, but it is just a tool being placed in a position between the European Union and the Kenyan Government, ‘she proclaimed, adding that it is upon the economic operators to fill the position and create the job opportunities.

She echoed Mvurya’s sentiments that both partners have the ambition of creating green economies both in Kenya and the EU and get into the green space that is sustainable.

Further, Geiger encouraged young people to bring creative talents with ideas that create jobs, businesses, and new opportunities.

Meanwhile, the predictability of market access would enhance sustainable investment relations as the government leverages to open more economic sectors within the EU.

Consequently, the blend of expertise between Kenya and Europe will promote the manufacturing sector, capitalizing on opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (
AfCFTA).

Source: Kenya News Agency