Kenya and Australia have signed a deal that will allow traders from the two nations to market goods freely.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Kenya Australia Chamber of Commerce (KACC) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) is expected to help drive trade between the two countries and market and collaborate on trade tours and other interests.
The deal is coming at the time the two nations are celebrating 59 years of formal diplomatic relations.
Chairman of the Kenya Australia Chamber of Commerce, Stephen Kuria, said the deal will create a path to formalize and continue the relationship.
Formed in 2013 in Perth, Australia, the business lobby is working in conjunction with other chambers to provide a vast network in both countries encompassing private and government sectors.
The KACC is also supported by Africa Cluster and IMIG (African Down Under Relations), AUSTRADE (Australian Trade Commission, and many Federations of Industry and Commerce in Kenya and Australia.
The main aims of KACC are to connect businesses between Australia and Kenya support bilateral trade and relations create a bridge to Australia,
It is also expected to create a platform for Asia-Pacific to interpret and present the point of view of Australian commercial interests to the Kenya business public and to lend all practical assistance to Australian interests seeking to enter the Kenya market.
Others are to endorse the standing of its members in the local business and international communities, develop a broad range of community-oriented programmes directed toward students, labour unions, consumers, and politicians
"It will also encourage a better understanding of the role of business in a competitive market system, and to contribute positively to the community at large,'' Kuria said.
The deal is also expected to increase trade between the two countries which have have equal trade balance of $500 million.
Wheat and minerals are Australia's main exports to Kenya, while coffee and vegetables make up the bulk of imports.
