OPEX in Kenya a boost for mutual trade

The Oman Products Exhibition (OPEX), to be held in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, is expected to boost the trade between the two countries, which currently stands at $65 million.

The ninth edition of OPEX, organised by Public Establishment for Industrial Estates, Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be held from October 29 to November 1.

In an interview, Kiprono Kittony, Chairman, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), expressed his country’s interest in the Omani market and its keenness to make use of the OPEX 2018.

“The aim of our visit to the Sultanate is to increase the volume of trade between the two countries.”

He met Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Qais bin Mohammed al Yousuf, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and OPEX Committee.

When asked about the nature of trade cooperation between the two countries, the chairman of the Kenyan chamber said that Oman is a major trading partner.

According to him, relations between the two countries are deeprooted as they extend over 500 years. “We are happy to be here to increase the volume of exchange and investment.”

Trade volume between the two countries is currently at $65 million. Oman exports to Kenya oil, aluminium and glass products. Kenyan exports include traditional wood, tea, coffee, pulses and milk products, besides medicines.

“There is direct air transport between Muscat and Nairobi, and we want to maximise the benefit of this direct transport,” he said.

When it comes to opportunities for OPEX in Kenya, the chairman said the most important fields are information technology, oil and gas, and human resources.

According to him, OPEX will provide the Omani businessmen with an opportunity to have access to investment opportunities in Kenya such as establishing factories and others.

There is already an old memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Currently, the two parties are developing the final draft for a new MOU between the two chambers.

The Kenyan chamber will provide a wide range of services and facilities to ensure the success of OPEX 2018, said KNCCI chief.

“We will facilitate ventures between the Omani and Kenyan companies and will make all preparations for the visit of the high-level delegation from Oman to Kenya. We will provide every possible support to enhance cooperation between the two countries.”

Meanwhile, the Kenyan team has decided to hold an exhibition of Kenyan products in the Sultanate in 2019.

There are two commercial lines between Kenya and the Sultanate, one connecting ports of both countries, while the other is the air route linking the two capitals.

Trade volume between the two countries is currently at $65 million. Oman exports to Kenya oil, aluminium and glass products. Kenyan exports include traditional wood, tea, coffee, pulses and milk products, besides medicines