NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 5- Lord Mayor William Russel of the City of London has commended Kenya on its achievements in the education, technology, infrastructure, manufacturing, and tourism sectors, noting the progress made so far will ensure the growth of the country’s economy.
Russel who was speaking during his visit at the Kenya Pavilion during the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai acknowledged the long historical ties between UK and Kenya, which have strengthened and deepened the social-economic, and cultural relations between the two countries.
“The Lord Mayor also commended the country’s strides in wildlife conservation and the unique tourism offerings visitors to Kenya can enjoy,” a statement issued noted.
Russel is an international ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector, he also heads the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK.
The Lord Mayor’s visit comes months after Kenya and UK signed an Economic Partnership Agreement that will ensure that all companies operating in Kenya can continue to benefit from duty-free access to the UK market.
It will support jobs and economic development in Kenya, as well as avoid possible disruption to UK businesses who will be able to continue to import Kenyan products duty and quote free, such as fresh vegetables and flowers.
Kenya is one of the largest economies in East Africa and an important trading partner for the UK.
The UK market accounts for 43 percent of total exports of vegetables from Kenya as well as at least 9percent of cut flowers, and this agreement will support Kenyans working in these sectors by maintaining tariff-free market access to the UK.
Top goods imports to the UK from Kenya last year were in tea, coffee, and spices Sh18 billion; vegetables Sh11.7 billion; and cut flowers Sh8 billion.
