Subject: Advancing Trade Partnerships and Bilateral Agreements: Meeting Between Kenyan and Canadian Officials

Hon. Moses Kuria, Cabinet Secretary, and Hon. Abubakar Hassan, Principal Secretary, held a constructive meeting with Hon. Melanie Joly, Canadian Foreign Minister, to discuss strengthening trade partnerships between their respective nations. The primary objective of the meeting was to expedite the implementation of a Bilateral Trade Agreement and a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement, given the significant trade volume between Kenya and Canada, which exceeded $28 billion in 2021.

During the discussions, the leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing economic ties and fostering mutually beneficial trade relations. They acknowledged Canada's role as one of Kenya's top trading partners and expressed a shared commitment to bolstering these ties through proactive measures.

Furthermore, the meeting explored avenues for increased foreign investment, recognizing Canada's significant contributions as an investor in Kenya. The presence of Roseline Njogu, responsible for Diaspora Affairs, and PS Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, overseeing Investment Promotion, highlighted the comprehensive approach taken to engage various stakeholders and maximize the potential of foreign investments.

In summary, the meeting between Kenyan and Canadian officials marked a significant step towards advancing trade partnerships, accelerating the implementation of bilateral agreements, and exploring opportunities for increased foreign investment. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering economic growth and expanding mutually beneficial trade relations.