KNCCI Targets South America for business opportunities for Kenyans – Richard Ngatia

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Richard Ngatia now says Kenya is targeting to boost trade ties with South America.

Speaking in a TV interview on CNBC, Ngatia who has served as the chairman of the Great Lakes Region General Assembly KNCCI is working closely with the Kenyan government to identify opportunities for Kenyan business abroad.

‘’We are working closely with the Kenya government to identify areas that can provide support to Kenyan businesses and look to exports to South America by providing trade finance and navigating regulatory barriers,” Said Ngatia.

Ngatia added that it will be a good opportunity for Kenyan businesses to export their produce to South America.

“The chamber believes that trade with countries in South America will diversify Kenya’s export markets and reduce its reliance on traditional partners.” Ngatia added.

Ngatia said another area they are looking at promoting Kenyan products is by getting direct flights between Kenya and Bogota, the capital city of Colombia.

“If we can have a Kenyan airline for example Kenya Airways (KQ) and have a direct flight to Colombia we shall be able to have more and new export opportunities for Kenya’s businesses especially in agriculture and horticultural sectors,” he said.

He said South America is a large diverse market with a variety of different countries and preferences adding that KNCCI is working out strategies to tailor specific needs and markets.

The chamber President has been keen on advocating for partnerships abroad, last year he represented the Business Community in Eastern Africa at the BIG 8 Business Forum in Paris, France where he advocated for partnerships between Kenya and French companies in the areas of Agri-businesses, Digital Economy, Manufacturing, and Logistics.

The Chamber President has continually assured partners that KNCCI is ready to ensure a conducive business environment, build businesses capacity and strengthen economic diplomacy and grow exports to other markets.