India, Kenya to increase cooperation in agri, infra, mining

India and Kenya have huge potential to increase cooperation in areas such as agriculture and mining to boost trade and economic ties, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said.
During the seventh round of India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee meeting, both sides agreed to meet more often to ensure enhancement of bilateral trade and mutual cooperation.
The next meeting would be held in Nairobi.
"There exists a huge untapped potential for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and mining," Sitharaman said.
"The USD 62 million line of credit, which was approved in 2010 to erect a 450 km long power transmission line, is under implementation. We are ready to assist in other areas of priority for Kenya," she added.

She also said that significant presence of Indian companies in Kenya is a clear indication of complementaries of the two economies.

"I sincerely hope that Kenyan companies would also explore possibilities of investing in India," she added.
The bilateral trade has crossed USD 4 billion in 2013-14 as compared to USD 1.5 billion in 2009-10.
The major commodities India exports to the African nation include petroleum, pharmaceuticals, machinery, iron and steel, transport equipment and plastics.
While India imports chemicals, pulses, tea, leather, ores, metal scrap, crude minerals, raw wool, pulp and wood and wood products from Kenya.
"The share of Kenyan exports, in our bilateral trade, needs to be enhanced. We will continue to explore means of ensuring this in our Joint Trade Committee meetings," Sitharaman said.

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of infrastructure, SMEs, agriculture, health, energy, skill development, pharmaceuticals and tourism.
Amina C.Mohamed, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Trade, Kenya led the delegation here.