The Kenyan government has assured visiting Greek investors of an enabling investment environment in the East African nation.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the East African nation valued Greek investors as partners in development.
"I welcome Greek investors to take advantage of Kenya's strategic location as the gateway to the east African community and the common market for eastern and southern Africa, which has a combined market potential of more than 400 million people," Mohamed said late Monday during the Kenya-Greece Business Forum in Nairobi.
Despite existing numerous investment opportunities, the flow of trade between Kenya and Greece is quite negligible, the official said, expressing optimism that this is going to change with increased trade between the two countries.
Kenya exports to Greece include fish, horticulture, coffee, tea, spices, oil seeds, vegetables and fruits, tobacco, apparels/ textile and precious stones.
Products with export potential to Greece include horticulture, fruits and nuts, precious stones, textiles, pyrethrum, finished leather products, tourism services and a range of professional services.
Products from Greece to Kenya include olive oil, edible fruits- grapes, animal feeds, pharmaceuticals, plastics, paper and paper products, textiles, aluminum and electrical equipment.
"It is my sincere hope that the outcome of this visit will be the genesis of stronger trade and investment links, which will deepen the economic cooperation between our two countries," Mohamed said.
The Greek delegation consists of 60 high-level government and business executives led by Deputy Minister for Development Athanasios Skordas.
The forum comes at a time when Kenya has undertaken far reaching reforms that have created a conducive environment for doing business.
East Africa Community (EAC) Affairs Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie said Kenya has a sizeable local market backed by a well established and vibrant public sector.
Kandie also encouraged Greek investors to take advantage of various sectors of Kenya's economy that are not yet fully established.
