Samad Hassan Zadeh, the president of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, during his visit to Nairobi, discussed the capacities and opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries with Eric Ruto, the president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI). He highlighted the need to increase trade exchanges between Iran and Kenya, referencing the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of the Kenya Chamber.
Emphasis on Trade Cooperation
Hassan Zadeh stated that the current trade statistics between the two countries are not at an appropriate level despite existing capacities, saying: "The chambers of commerce of both countries can provide very good opportunities together." He also referred to the limitations caused by economic sanctions and said: "We have a heavy responsibility towards our nations that we must fulfill correctly."
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Kenya's Role as a Gateway to the African Market
Hassan Zadeh introduced Kenya as Iran's gateway to the African market, stating: "With its strong financial infrastructure and the strategic port of Mombasa, Kenya can play an important role in developing economic relations." He added: "Iran can act as a strategic partner for Kenya in various fields including energy, petrochemicals, and agriculture."
He mentioned Iran's capacities in health, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and technology, announcing the readiness of the Iranian private sector to participate in the supply of medicines and medical equipment and joint production in Kenya. Hassan Zadeh said: "In agriculture and food security, we are also ready for technical knowledge transfer and joint investment with Kenyan partners."
Proposal to Establish a Permanent Exhibition Center for Iranian Products
In this meeting, Seyyed Mahdi Tabibzadeh, the president of the Kerman Chamber of Commerce, referred to the diverse capacities of different provinces of Iran and called for the formation of a joint business committee. He also emphasized the establishment of a permanent exhibition center for Iranian products in Nairobi. Hassan Zadeh said in this regard: "This center can help introduce Iranian products and facilitate trade between the two countries."
Ruto, the president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also emphasized the importance of attracting the participation of economic actors from other countries in infrastructure and health service projects. He also mentioned the necessity of establishing a direct flight between Tehran and Nairobi to facilitate the travel of traders from both countries.
According to Mostafa Ramadan, the vice president of the Kenya Chamber, the current figures for trade between the two countries are insufficient, and Iran can access the over one billion dollar African market through Kenya. He also pointed to Iran's advantages in energy and logistics, stating: "The Kenya Chamber will take the necessary actions to remove barriers to Iran's presence in this area."
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