Kenya will push to attain trade balance with Mozambique, President William Ruto has said.
Speaking in Maputo on Thursday, President Ruto said Mozambique has an upper hand in the bilateral trade, adding that the government is committed to increasing trade volumes with Mozambique to help create a favourable trade balance for Kenya.
He noted that the two countries are exploring opportunities that will guarantee a win-win outcome.
The President explained that between 2018 and 2022, imports from Mozambique increased from Sh3.2 billion to Sh5.2 billion, while Kenyan exports to Mozambique only increased from Sh1.2 billion to Sh1.4 billion over the same period.
“In this burgeoning win-win relationship, Mozambique has the upper hand in trade balance terms, yet the opportunities before us take the form of a tide that will lift both our boats,” he said during a two-day State Visit hosted by his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of eight MoUs aimed at strengthening the ties between the two nations
The cooperation agreements include Mutual Legal Assistance, Diplomatic Training, Public Service Training, Investment Promotion, Blue Economy and the Mutual recognition of driving licences.
President Ruto committed to the full and speedy implementation of the agreements for the benefit of the people of the two nations.
“I am of the view that it is imperative for us to take advantage of the momentum generated in these engagements to expeditiously implement all the bilateral instruments that have been signed,” he said.
Foreign Affairs CS Dr Alfred Mutua called on the respective ministries to work collaboratively, exert more effort on fast-tracking action and implementation of the agreed areas of cooperation by putting in place robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to review the progress on the deliverables agreed upon.
Later, the President visited Maputo Municipal Hall and addressed members and other government officials.
He was presented with Keys to the City of Maputo, the Highest distinction given to an individual.
The Head of State and the First Lady also laid wreaths at Heroe’s Square.
The President noted that Maputo and Kenyan coastal towns have a lot in common, citing opportunities in tourism, fisheries and the blue economy, maritime transport, agriculture, manufacturing, trade and industry.
Present were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Cabinet Secretaries Alfred Mutua (Foreign Affairs), Aden Duale (Defence) and Attorney General Justin Muturi among others.
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