The Kenyan government seeks to explore new avenues to optimise trade between Kenya and Italy and Kenya and the U.K.

Bilateral trade and investments between the three countries, will mainly be reflected in various fields such as tourism, mining, health, infrastructure among others.

The U.K. has been Kenyas most important trading partner and is the the largest foreign investor with over 60 companies running operations and investments estimated at £1.5b. In 2008, exports of goods from Kenya amounted to £194m whereas those of imports stood at £316m. The U.K. Trade and Investment Secretary Susan Harid is in the country to explore ways through which trade balance can be improved.

Trade Minister Amos Kimunya who hosted both the U.K. and Italian delegates in different functions says, “the government will continue to provide a conducive trade atmosphere through regulatory reforms in different institutions that govern trade to sustain and at the same time improve the existing trade relations.”

Kenya and Italy have now agreed to launch a forum to raise awareness of the existing opportunities and will thus develop joint initiatives in both countries. Currently the balance of trade between Kenya and Italy is in favour of Italy with the balance of trade standing at negative Sh5.9b in the year 2008.

As efforts intensify to strengthen bilateral trade relations between partner countries, it will be interesting to see how far the business community will address any emerging regulation difficulties.