Samad Hassan-Zadeh, the head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, met with Eric Ruto, the President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), during his visit to Nairobi. In this meeting, Hassan-Zadeh congratulated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Kenya Chamber and analyzed the status of trade relations between the two countries.
Limitations and Opportunities
Hassan-Zadeh pointed out the high economic potentials of Iran and Kenya, stating that the current trade figures are not at a satisfactory level and that the chambers of commerce of both countries can create very good opportunities for cooperation. He mentioned the limitations caused by economic sanctions and emphasized that the private sector and chambers of commerce have a heavy responsibility towards their nations.
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Kenya as the Gateway to the African Market
Hassan-Zadeh introduced Kenya as the most important gateway for Iran and other countries to the African market due to its strong financial infrastructure and the strategic port of Mombasa. He also referred to Kenya as a strategic and mutual partner for Iran and emphasized that Kenya can play a role as Iran's gateway to Central Asia and Eurasia.
The head of the Iran Chamber of Commerce referred to the diverse capacities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the fields of health and pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, petrochemicals, fertilizers, infrastructure, housing, and technology, considering these capacities suitable for Kenya's developmental needs. He stated, "Despite the sanctions, Iran has achieved very significant capacities and is interested in sharing these capacities with African countries."
Economic and Trade Cooperation
Hassan-Zadeh announced the readiness of the Iranian private sector to participate in supplying medicines and medical equipment and in joint production in Kenya. He also emphasized the transfer of technical knowledge in agriculture and food security, saying, "Iran has a competitive advantage in bitumen, petrochemical products, and chemical fertilizers and is ready to participate beyond supplying goods in energy development and renewable energy projects."
The head of the Iran Chamber also referred to the joint investment of Iranian and Kenyan economic actors in the field of overseas cultivation, road construction, and the establishment of petrochemical and refining industry facilities, expressing hope that economic cooperation between the two countries would expand. He also emphasized the importance of sustainable trade between Iran and Kenya and the import of agricultural products from Kenya.
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