Nairobi to soon open embassy in Dhaka

Kenya is considering opening an embassy in Dhaka to strengthen economic and political relations with Bangladesh.

The initiative will ensure direct flights to and from Dhaka from Kenya, said Director General of Bilateral and Political Affairs Ambassador Moi Lemoshira during a discussion meeting with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at its office in Dhaka on Monday.

Moi Lemoshira is currently visiting Bangladesh and is leading a delegation from Kenya. He said, “Kenya will soon launch a High Commission in Dhaka. Also, discussions are going on between Bangladesh Biman and Kenya Airways to establish direct flights.”

Lemoshira said that alongside food processing and skill development, health, real estate, ICT, and manufacturing sectors are the most potential sectors for Bangladesh to invest in Kenya.

“Investing in Kenya will open the door to the entire African market for Bangladesh,” he claimed.

The Ambassador stated that Nairobi has adopted the Indo-Pacific strategy. Hence, Bangladesh appears as one of the most important strategic partners for Kenya.

FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu said Kenya seemed interested in importing readymade garments, leather and plastic goods, ceramics, processed seafood and agro products from Bangladesh to enhance bilateral trade.

Besides, cooperation should be increased in tourism, ICT, blue economy and agriculture, he said.

Kenya is a member country of the African Union—a free trade area consisting of 54 countries, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and East African Community.

“Establishing trade ties with Kenya would play a significant role for Bangladeshi products to access the African market,” Azad stated.

He explained that Bangladeshi businessmen are keen to invest in Kenyan garments, apparel, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and agro-processing.

FBCCI Vice President Md Amin Helaly ensured that all kinds of support from the apex trade body to strengthen bilateral relations will be given.

Earlier, Director General of the Foreign Service Academy, Ambassador Stella Mokaya Orina, said that an MoU was signed between the two countries.

FBCCI Director Engineer Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir has shown an interest in investing in Kenya’s power plants and rail infrastructure if the Kenyan government provides proper support.

Director SM Shafiuzzaman urged Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies to utilise the potential in Kenya.

Director Priti Chakraborty called for establishing cooperation in health and manpower development between the countries.

On the occasion, Deputy High Commissioner of the Kenya High Commission in Delhi, Irene Oloo, Trade Counsellor Jared Mayieka, directors of FBCCI Hafez Harun, Md Naser, SM Jahangir Alam (Manik), Syed Sadat Almas Kabir, Abu Hossain Bhuiyan (Ranu) and Secretary General Mohammad Mahfuzul Hoque were present among others.