kenya releases 1,300 containers of pakistani rice for international distribution
Published on: June 8, 2024.
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Kenya has given the go-ahead for the release of 1,300 containers of Pakistani rice that were previously held up at the Port of Mombasa. The decision comes as a result of the proactive intervention of Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, which signifies the strengthening of economic ties between the two countries.
The announcement of this resolution was made through a press release on Friday.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan reached out to Honorable Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet Secretary of Kenya’s Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Industry, to stress the importance of handling the rice shipment promptly. In his letter, he highlighted the delays caused by issues in the Red Sea, which resulted in significant logistical setbacks after diverting the cargo. This intervention aims to minimize the losses faced by Pakistani exporters due to the delay.
Minister Khan’s appeal rests on the long-standing trade relationship between Pakistan and Kenya. Pakistan is one of the largest buyers of Kenyan tea and a major supplier of rice to Kenya, underscoring the mutual dependence in their trade relations. Adeela, Pakistan’s High Commissioner and Trade & Investment Officer in Nairobi, played a crucial role in the resolution. She met with all relevant government stakeholders, continuously following up and insisting on immediate action in response to the commerce minister’s request.
In swift response to the Commerce Minister’s letter, the Kenyan government issued a special gazette notice on May 31, 2024. The notice not only authorizes the release of the 1,300 containers but also grants Pakistani rice zero-rated access to Kenya until November 30, 2024. This means that the 34,414.5 metric tons of Grade 1 white milled rice can be imported duty-free, as long as it meets Kenyan food safety standards and is accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity from the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
This resolution is expected to have a positive impact on bilateral trade, promoting economic cooperation and mutual growth. The intervention by Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan has garnered widespread appreciation from the business communities in both countries. Ensuring that this significant rice shipment reaches Kenyan consumers without further delay will help stabilize rice supplies and prices in the local market.
The swift actions taken by both governments demonstrate a commitment to efficiently resolving trade issues and maintaining strong economic ties. This development not only resolves the immediate logistical issues but also sets a precedent for handling future trade disruptions, benefiting the economies of both nations.
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