Egypt eyes more fruit imports from Kenya

Egypt plans to import more fruits and other food products from Kenya in a move that looks set to reduce the trade imbalance tilted in favour of the North African country.

Business delegations from the two countries Tuesday started a two-day trade forum where new trade deals would be signed.

Kenya mainly sells tobacco, paper and paperboard, fruits and vegetable textile fibres to Egypt, with the value of the overall imports growing 8.67 percent to Sh18.98 billion between 2014 and 2020.

Exports from Egypt include vegetable and animal products, minerals, chemicals, plastics and rubber — jumped 68.13 per cent to Sh42.93 billion over the same period, highlighting a trade partnership that heavily favours the Maghreb economy.

Egyptian ambassador to Kenya Khalid Abyiad yesterday called on local farmers and businesses to tap the vast Egyptian market with increased shipments of fruits.