NAIROBI, KENYA: Trade and investment remains key in enhancing cooperation between Kenya and the Islamic Republic of Iran, Deputy President William Ruto has said.
The Deputy President said the trade balance between the two nations is heavily in favour of Iran and underscored the need to bridge the gap.
Mr. Ruto said Kenya was ready to engage in partnership with the private sector in exploring opportunities in the fields of energy, trade, agriculture, health and education.
“We are ready to improve our relations with Iran and explore business opportunities that can uplift the living standards of people of the two countries,” said Mr. Ruto.
Speaking when he met the new Iranian Ambassador to Kenya Dr. Hadi Farajvand who called on him at his Karen office on Wednesday, Mr. Ruto said Kenya could tap Iran’s technological advancement for the benefit of Kenyans.
“Kenya can benefit from Iran in areas of technology to do value addition, agro-processing and manufacturing,” said Mr. Ruto.
The Deputy President expressed interest in facilitating Iranian investors and private companies to construct low-cost pharmaceutical plant in Kenya.
“As we expand the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), we are in need of quality and low cost medicines that they can afford. This is why Iran’s companies dealing with pharmaceuticals will be of great help to our country,” said Mr. Ruto.
The Deputy President further said that the agricultural sector offered other lucrative investments opportunities being the hub of Kenya’s economy.
“Iran can explore more opportunities in our country in sectors such as tea, horticulture, flowers as well as the dairy sector,” said Mr. Ruto.
Dr. Farajvand said lack of information on existing business opportunities in the two countries were to blame for imbalance of trade.
