SIALKOT: High Commissioner of Kenya to Pakistan Julius Kibet Bitok has assured Sialkot exporters of all out support to promote bilateral trade between the two countries.

Addressing a meeting of exporters at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Wednesday he said that Kenya would play an important role as a gateway of trade between the African continent and Pakistan.

Kenya is keen to boost mutual trade ties and is making all out efforts to ensure easy access of Sialkot made products to its local markets and other African countries, he said.

Mr Bitok said that increase in bilateral trade of sports goods and surgical instruments with Pakistan would be beneficial to Kenya and help avoid intermediary costs of buying from other countries.

Furthermore, he invited Sialkot exporters to participate in international trade fairs and industrial exhibitions in Kenya to explore potential trade opportunities and partnerships within the markets of Kenya and other African countries.

The SCCI’s SVP Abdul Waheed also addressed the meeting where he expressed his pleasure at the efforts taken by both countries to promote bilateral trade. He said that steps such as single country exhibitions and trade delegation exchanges must be under-taken to increase bilateral trade. He also suggested enhancement of private sector contact by facilitating business travellers with special long-term visas.

Mr Bitok while making the final remarks highlighted potential areas such as trade and investment, education, counter-terrorism, cultural diplomacy, sports diplomacy and tourism and wildlife that can be tapped by both the countries to enhance partnership.

Kenyan High Commis­sioner also visited industrial units in Sialkot and witnessed manufacturing and production of sports goods and surgical instruments at these units.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2018