Kenya wants Turkey to cut high import tariffs on tea

By Edwin Limo in Ankara, Turkey

Kenya has appealed to Turkey to reconsider the high export tariff that has been imposed on tea imports.

 Speaking during a meeting yesterday in Ankara with Turkey’s Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Amb Amina Mohamed said tea was a major export for Kenya, adding that the tariff, which currently stands at 145 per cent, was restrictive.

“I note that this is not unique to Kenya but we have to find a way of addressing it between our two countries,” said Amb Amina. She said although there was a gradual increase in bilateral trade between Turkey and Kenya, the volumes and value of trade remains low despite the existence of a huge potential.  The balance of trade currently favours Turkey.

The 2012 figures show Kenya’s exports to Turkey were estimated at $18 million (Sh1.5 billion) against imports worth $140 million (Sh12 billion).

 “There is an urgent need to unlock the untapped potential through diversification of the range of products, continuous interaction and consultations between our business people,” said Amb Mohamed.

“There should be participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and removal of bottlenecks that impede our trade relations.” Zeybekci said Turkey was ready to improve its relations with Kenya and called for speedy conclusion of the agreements and memorandum of understanding (MoU) that the technical teams from the two countries were negotiating.

STATE VISIT

He noted that the eight agreements and MoUs would be signed during President Uhuru Kenyatta State visit to Turkey.

Mohamed lauded the Turkish government for the support extended in terms of development assistance in the fields of agriculture, health, education, security and urban housing and its support in the fight against piracy along the Somali coastline.

She also invited Turkish investors to take advantage of the conducive investment climate and emerging investment opportunities in Kenya.

The CS also identified areas that could be of interest to Turkish investors including irrigation, agro-processing, manufacturing, ICT, mining, energy and infrastructure development, which can be realised through collaboration and partnerships with Kenyan business people.