Kenya Approves Release of 1,300 Containers of Pakistani Rice
Published on: June 9, 2024.
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The Kenyan government has approved the release of 1,300 containers of Pakistani rice at the Port of Mombasa, thanks to the efforts of Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Jam Kamal Khan. This development is a major boost for bilateral trade between Kenya and Pakistan.
In a press release, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s proactive actions were credited for resolving the delays and strengthening the economic ties between the two countries. Minister Khan emphasized the importance of timely handling of the rice consignment in a formal communication to Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet Secretary of Kenya’s Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Industry.
The letter highlighted the challenges caused by logistical setbacks and significant losses for Pakistani exporters due to issues in the Red Sea, which diverted the cargo. It also emphasized the long-standing trade relationship between Pakistan and Kenya, with Pakistan being a major buyer of Kenyan tea and a key supplier of rice to Kenya.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner and Trade & Investment Officer, Ms. Adeela in Nairobi, actively engaged with Kenyan government stakeholders to follow up on the Commerce Minister’s request for immediate action. As a result, the Kenyan government issued a special gazette notice on May 31, 2024. This notice not only authorized the release of the 1,300 containers at zero rating but also granted zero-rated access for Pakistani rice to Kenya until November 30, 2024.
The notice outlined the duty-free importation of 34,414.5 metric tons of Grade 1 white milled rice, subject to meeting Kenyan food safety standards and being accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity from the Kenyan Bureau of Standards.
This resolution is expected to have a positive impact on bilateral trade between Kenya and Pakistan, promoting economic cooperation and mutual growth.
The intervention by Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan has been widely praised by the business communities in both countries. It ensures that the significant rice shipment reaches Kenyan consumers without further delay, thereby stabilizing rice supplies and prices in the local market.
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