United States and Kenya discuss further trade engagement

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Kenya's Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina met today on the margins of the World Trade Organization's 12th Ministerial Conference.  This followed a successful consultative meeting of experts from the two countries held in Kenya in May 2022 on ways to enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries. Ambassador Tai and Cabinet Secretary Maina agreed to explore pathways towards a deeper bilateral trade and economic relationship that: promotes sustainable and inclusive economic growth; benefits workers, consumers, and businesses (including micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises); and supports African regional economic integration. 

They discussed a number of issues where the United States and Kenya could develop an ambitious roadmap for enhanced cooperation and, where appropriate, explore negotiating high-standard commitments.  The issues discussed include trade facilitation and customs, standards, services digital trade, environment and climate change, and agriculture.  As a next step, the two countries will work to finalize a list of areas for cooperation to deepen economic engagement, and the two ministers agreed to meet again in the coming weeks to announce next steps.