The East African Standard (Nairobi)

Kenya: U.S. to Help Make Goods Competitive

By Sunday Standard Reporter, 16 April 2006

Nairobi — The US is ready to help Kenya reduce the cost of production, which makes the country's exports unable to compete in the international markets.

Deputy US Trade Representative, Karan Bhatia, said in Nairobi that the cost of production in Kenya is making the country's products unable to compete with those from China in the US market.

Bhatia, who was in Nairobi for the meeting of African Union Trade Ministers, also said Kenya should diversify its exports to the US.

"The US has increased its aid dedicated to boosting trade in Africa. It should make a huge difference if the money is well invested," Bhatia told The Sunday Standard.

He said poor infrastructure and high cost of electricity are making Kenyan products expensive on the global market.

The official said the US has opened its markets to Africa and up to 98 per cent of products from the continent now enter the US duty free.

"This is a tremendous tool for the country's exporters. It is up to the traders and the Government to diversify and be competitive.

Tagged: AGOA, Business, East Africa, External Relations, Infrastructure, Kenya, Trade, U.S., Canada and Africa, U.S., Canada and Africa

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