This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
On July 7, Kenya and the US will start trade talks on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a crucial step towards signing the agreement.
President Kenyatta emphasized the importance of trade and investment in jump-starting economic recovery during a forum by the Corporate Council on Africa.
"To reverse the COVID-related economic decline, we need a massive injection of investment capital in our economies and a quantum increase in our exports," said President Kenyatta.
He added that Kenya is keen to negotiate an agreement that promotes mutually beneficial investment and economic relations.
President Kenyatta also highlighted the potential of the FTA to attract Foreign Direct Investment and boost trade in the region.
He called for American private sector investment in Kenya's health sector, specifically in the medical supply chain, to help distribute medical equipment globally.
During the conference, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana suggested extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to benefit African enterprises entering the US market.
"There is every reason we should look at the possibility of extending [AGOA], and to that extent, we look to the private sector of the United States to help us," said President Nana.
