NAIROBI: South Korea has promised to help Kenya achieve her development goals through establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in various regions of the country.
An advisor on SEZ - based in Deputy President William Ruto's Office - James Jie Tae-Hong said that South Korea is ready to share knowledge and modern technology on industrial policy development, SEZ establishment and rural development.
"The Korean government was at par with Kenya in 1960s, but has progressed further to becoming an economic power in South East Asia.
Based on our progress in terms of technology we will assist the Kenya government to realize its economic priorities," he said.
Dr Tae-Hong spoke during the opening of the Kenya-Korea economic forum at a Nairobi hotel.
He, however, stated that for the Kenya government to actualise its development agenda, it requires sound leadership and efficient resource management.
He said the Korean government has made big strides in terms of economic growth following establishment of special economic zones.
Kenya is in the process of establishing its first Sh20 billion special economic zone in Ndongo Kungu, Mombasa.
Other areas targeted for the creation of the SEZs as outlined in the Vision 2030 include Kisumu, Lamu, Isiolo and Turkana.
DESIGNATED AREAS
SEZs are designated areas that possess special economic regulations that are different from other areas in the same country.
Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Julius Korir observed that Korea is an inspiration to Kenya as we endeavour to emulate their successes in industrial development.
"In the early 1980s, our economies were the same but Korea has since made significant leaps and has now joined the league of newly industrialising countries," he said.
He added that Kenya would seek practical and useful Korean-development experience for current and ongoing policy issues and create concrete structures to apply recommendations.
Korir confirmed that a bill for the establishment of the special economic zones has gone through the first reading in Parliament.
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Further, he said, the ministry is working on guidelines to enhance quick implementation of the legislation once it is enacted by.
Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of South Korea in Kenya You Ki-Jun confirmed that his government is ready to assist Kenya achieve its development goals.
"Kenya is progressing well economically and assuming a big role in the East African region and Africa at large.
We are partnering with Kenya to mechanise the agriculture sector so that it can produce more food both for the local and export market.
We have interests in the motor industry, energy sector, education sector and construction," he said.
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