KENYA- ITALIAN BUSINESS FORUM

Kenya and Italy have agreed to launch a joint Economic forum in a bid to address the trade imbalance between the two countries. This is to enable business associations, public and private agencies and entrepreneurs from both countries to meet regularly.

The decision was reached by the Italian Deputy Minister for International Trade Adolfo Urso and the Kenyan minister for Trade, Amos Kimunya during the signing of the partnership at the Telposta towers on 1st February, 2010.

The forum will meet at least once a year during the annual event, “Italy and Africa partners in business” hosted by Italy in June or July of each year. The forum will meet regularly to raise awareness of the opportunities existing in Kenya for Italian firms and in Italy for Kenyan firms, and to address possible difficulties.

The Italian Ministry for Economic Development will also designate up to 3 members. On the Kenyan side, the minister for Trade will designate 3 members.

“We will jointly revise the functioning of this Forum one year after its becoming operational. Should our joint assessment be positive, we will take the actions necessary to transform it into a Kenyan and Italian Chamber of Commerce,” the two said after signing the joint Economic forum.