India, Kenya explore ways to expand trade ties

India and Kenya on Tuesday discussed ways to further trade ties by exploring opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, ICT and metals, the commerce ministry said.

This was deliberated during the India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting concluded here. The Indian delegation was led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and his Kenyan counterpart Peter Munya.

"Both sides expressed their willingness to explore trade opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, agro-processing, floriculture, aquaculture, ICT and in products such as base metals, textiles, horticultural products, plastics and machinery," the ministry said in a statement.

Munya emphasised on the need to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services based on reciprocity.

The Kenyan side also sought investments in their special economic zones and the pharma sector.

Regarding line of credit, the African country has been urged to look into the matters such as resolving the right of way issue for the early completion and closure of power transmission lines and sub-station project for which India has granted USD 61.60 million line of credit.

India has extended four lines of credit aggregating USD 206.55 million to Kenya. Referring to the case of TATA Chemicals Magadi Ltd, the ministry requested the Kenyan side for immediate intervention for an amicable resolution on the issues pertaining to the company.

"The Kenyan side informed that the matter was brought to the attention and discussions are going on to get the long-lasting solutions," it said.

To increase cooperation in the power sector, NTPC Ltd has expressed its willingness for setting up utility-scale solar photovoltaic power project(s) in Kenya.

It has also expressed its readiness to provide training to the Kenyan power sector professionals for capacity building.

Further, both the countries discussed ways to increase cooperation in areas including renewable energy, housing and urban development, oil and natural gas, and civil aviation.

On petroleum and natural gas, the Indian side said that ONGC Videsh Limited is ready to offer its cutting-edge technologies and services of experienced geoscientists to carry out joint studies in areas of mutual interest spanning exploration, production and development.

Indian PSUs have expressed their interest to work in specific areas of oil and gas business such as LPG marketing and distribution and Lube business, with Kenya.

"Further, three Indian PSUs - OVL, Indian Oil Corporation and BPRL have expressed their interest to participate in the opportunities for conventional producing / near producing assets based on techno-commercial considerations. They are also keen to participate in the next oil and gas bidding rounds in Kenya," it said.