NAIROBI, Kenya
President of Kenya, William Ruto has travelled to Burundi on Thursday morning, October 31, to attend the 23rd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government in Bujumbura.
In a statement by State House
spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, this year's summit will celebrate the 30th
anniversary of COMESA which marks a vital trading bloc for the continent.
With a combined market of 640
million people and a GDP of Ksh.128 trillion, COMESA provides a substantial
market for Kenya which currently holds a 12.4 per cent share of the regional
market, second only to Egypt.
Between 2019 and 2023, Kenya's
exports to COMESA grew by an 8.9 per cent margin, indicating the potential for
regional trading partnerships.
During the summit, President
Ruto is expected to engage in bilateral trade talks as he enhances strategic
partnerships with other heads of state.
"He is also scheduled to
meet with the Presidents of Egypt and Zambia, as well as the Prime Minister of
Ethiopia, among others," the statement read in part.
"The discussions with
Egypt will focus on enhancing the Kenya-Egypt partnership, with a joint
commitment to increase trade between the two nations."
"His bilateral meeting
with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema will explore avenues to facilitate
trade, including the formation of a Joint Trade Committee to address and
resolve non-tariff barriers."
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