Kenya, US Release Joint Statement on Negotiations

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Kenya Secretary for Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Betty Maina released a joint statement on the formal launch of free trade negotiations.

Maina said: “Kenya and the United States have strong trade relations demonstrated by growing exports and imports which have increased over the years. The United States of America is a significant destination market for Kenya, a position that has been sustained over the years after the East Africa Community (EAC), European Union (EU) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).”

Lighthizer said: “Under President Trump’s leadership, we look forward to negotiating and concluding a comprehensive, high-standard agreement with Kenya that can serve as a model for additional agreements across Africa.”

The U.S. and Kenya said they will work together to identify and prioritize trade and investment opportunities in strategic sectors including energy, health, digital economy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and agriculture.

Lighthizer also posted a video of his opening statement.