President Uhuru to support African trade ties

President Uhuru with EAC Secretary General Dr. Richard Sezibera. [Photo: PPS]

By PPS

Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday said he will focus on enhancing trade and investment in the East African Community and Africa.

He noted that strong partnership and cooperation between African countries will bolster trade and investment thus improving the living standards of people.

The Head of State urged African countries to give priority to infrastructure development to facilitate connectivity and boost cross border trade and investment.

He called for pooling together of resources by African countries to accomplish cross-border infrastructure development projects.

On regional trade, the President said barriers to trade should be addressed as a matter of priority.

The President was speaking at State House Nairobi during a meeting with EAC Secretary General Dr. Richard Sezibera who paid him a courtesy call.

President Uhuru at the same time advocated for removal of restriction on movement of labour, saying the free movement of people within the region will further facilitate trade and the exchange of ideas.

Sezibera commended the President for his personal commitment and efforts to ensure that Kenya remained peaceful and united.

Earlier, President Kenyatta bade farewell to outgoing Iraqi Ambassador to Kenya, Dr. Abdel Mustafa Kamil.

Speaking during the brief ceremony at State House Nairobi, the President said he looked forward to the signing of an education agreement between Kenya and Iraq that will ensure Kenyans acquire the necessary expertise to exploit the country’s recently discovered oil resources.