PS Trade Regina Ombam Hosts EU Ambassador Henriette Geiger

EU ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger earlier called on the Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam in her office at Teleposta towers.

During the visit Ambassador Geiger and PS Ombam held talks that centred on areas of common mutual interests and cooperation and particularly the implementation of the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the EPA Council.

Kenya signed a comprehensive EPA which came to force on July 1, 2024 securing duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market. The agreement brings new opportunities to boost bilateral trade in goods, diversify exports by supporting the creation of new value chains, increase investment flows, strengthen the ties between reliable partners, and facilitate mutually beneficial economic relations in a sustainable manner.

PS Ombam underscored the need to have the EPA Council fully functioning and operational for the successful implementation of the EPA.Geiger reiterated the PS’s sentiments saying the EPA remains a strong commitment among the parties to create a stable and a reliable trading system amidst global trade shifts.

The EPA council is the top most body established under the EPA framework to oversee and facilitate the implementation of the trade agreement to enhance strong economic ties between Kenya and the EU.

The two parties also discussed the upcoming 2nd edition of the Kenya-EU Business Forum to be held on Monday in Nairobi.

Under the theme “Digitalising Trade”, the forum jointly organized by the EU Delegation, EU member states embassies and key Kenyan stakeholders will bring together high level policy makers, private sector leaders, innovators and development partners to explore how digital transformation can serve as a catalyst to enhance trade efficiency, increase market access and promote sustainable and inclusive growth.

Present in the meeting was Trade Counsellor EU Delegation to Kenya Filippo Amato, Ag. Trade Secretary Michael Mandu, Ag.Director External Trade Joseah Rotich and the Kenya-EU EPA Coordinator Florence Were