Kenya will be represented by 40 companies at the Fruit Logistica international trade fair for fruits and vegetable global marketing.
Germany is one of the key markets where Kenya’s export products are preferred, which are largely vegetables, tea, coffee, fruits and nuts, tobacco and canned fruit juices. On the other hand, over 50 German firms are in Kenya.
The companies will be seeking more market opportunities, make global business networks as well as exchange the latest trends in the industry and value addition opportunities to expand the export pie in the European Union markets.
Kenya has a trade deficit of Ksh 87.8 billion to the European Union market as of 2018. The country’s exports to the EU currently stands at Ksh 131.1 billion while imports stand at Ksh 218.9 billion.
Attending the trade fair, Kenyan exporters aim at diversifying export products and increase value addition as they try to ease the imbalance between Kenya and Germany.
Speaking at the Kenyan Embassy in Berlin ahead of the official opening of the Fruit Logistica Trade Fair, the Deputy Head of Mission on Berlin Amb Esther Mungai lauded government to government collaborations. Mungai also noted that private partnerships between Kenya and Germany have increased market access for Kenyan goods and services to the EU market.
“I am happy to note that more Kenyan exporters are making in-roads to the EU market. Germany recognizes Kenya as the most important trading partner in East Africa,” Amb. Mungai said.
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Fruit Logistica Trade Fair
Fruit Logistica, a yearly 3-day trade fair, has more than 3100 companies from the entire value chain of the green range exhibiting. This includes both global players as well as small and medium-sized suppliers from all over the world.
During the three days, Kenyan exhibitors also stand to benefit from special match-making sessions through the German-African Business Association (GABA). The foreign trade association representing German companies and institutions with an interest in Africa.
Kenya’s representatives have been organised for a trade mission on the side-lines of the trade fair. Organised by the Kenya Exports Promotion and Branding Agency (BrandKE), the trade mission is expected to deepen trade relations and establish more market linkages for Kenyan exporters.
The team will be meeting with leadership teams from the German-African Business Association, German Tea Association, German Tea Council, as well as Kenyans living in Germany.
EAC’s and Kenya’s trade with European Union has been enabled by the EAC-EU Economic Partnerships Agreements (EAC-EU EPAs) on trade and development agreements signed to enhance regional economic integration. The agreements cover goods and fisheries alongside development cooperation.
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