Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, hosted a business forum in Nairobi, marking the conclusion of a five-day trade mission to Kenya, which provided varied opportunities for companies from the UAE and Kenya to come closer and mutually explore new opportunities.

The mission attracted a large number of Kenyan businesses, encouraged by the growing bilateral relations between the two countries and the increasing importance of the UAE, particularly Dubai, as a gateway to high-growth markets.

The mission was part of Dubai Exports' focus on promising African markets during the last three years and following the overwhelming response received in Kenya. The agency will now work on a new strategy to vigorously pursue regional markets, including Africa.

The business forum in Nairobi focused on the importance of the UAE as a source market for Kenyan businesses as well as ways to familiarise UAE companies with government tenders and export procedures in Kenya. The forum was organised in co-operation with the UAE Embassy and Chamber of Commerce in Kenya.

Speakers in the business forum included Abdul Razak Mohamed Hadi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya; Amina Mohamed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Kenya; Head of Kenya's Chamber of Commerce; and Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, Deputy CEO of Dubai Exports as well as Arab diplomats and businessmen in Kenya.

"We have a strategic relationship with the UAE and we are always keen to support everything that promotes our bilateral trade and economic engagement. Business forums like these are one of most important channels through which investors, traders and exporters can mutually identify opportunities and form partnerships. Our bilateral co-operation is constantly evolving, but we would like to ensure the support of companies on both sides to increase in the volume of trade exchange,” said Amina Mohamed.

The Minister added that Dubai's advanced infrastructure made it one of the most competent destinations in the world for trade and investment. Dubai's ongoing efforts to promote business and the initiatives being launched to sustain economic activity and development were also mentioned.

Abdul Razak Mohammed Hadi remarked that Kenya is important to the UAE as the most important gateway to East Africa.

"The UAE sees strong prospects for co-operation with Kenya in various political and economic fields, and our Embassy supporting this forum is proof of our close co-ordination with local authorities in Kenya. We call on the business sector in Dubai and the UAE in general to seize the opportunities in the Kenyan market.”

Mohammed Ali Al Kamali commented: "The trade mission provided many opportunities for UAE companies and investors to understand the East African market where we seek to facilitate their access in collaboration with governmental bodies and institutions in Kenya. As part of our Africa strategy we will focus on opening up new markets in the continent for Emirati products. "

Al Kamali also presented a memento to the Kenyan Minister in recognition for her support to the forum and the Dubai Exports mission.

Dubai Exports, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai, commenced operations in 2007.