The Nakuru County government has entered a collaboration agreement with Israel to promote trade and investment opportunities.
Eyeing the increase in agricultural exports, the county’s grand plan is to help farmers tap into the foreign export market through value addition for various agricultural products.
Holding talks on Wednesday, the Nakuru county deputy governor David Kones and the Israel ambassador to Kenya Michael Lotem promised to build ties between the devolved unit and the Israeli government.
“The collaboration between the Nakuru County government and Israel will boost water technology, agriculture, and health among other sectors,”
“We held deliberations on areas of mutual cooperation including agriculture and trade. The emphasis here is to increase exports of both processed and raw agricultural products to the Israel market and also tap into Israel’s expertise in agriculture.”
“I have also encouraged the Israel government to venture into ecotourism and other sectors in the county with the aim of improving the collaboration.” Mr Kones said.
Mr. Lotem said Israel will promote investment opportunities available in Nakuru, especially in agriculture, and partner in mobilizing Israeli firms’ investments in the region.
“Israel recognizes that Kenya is a vibrant economy and critical trade partner. Kenya is already playing a pivotal role in the global economy,”
“We invite Israeli investors to come and establish value addition factories in Nakuru. The core of the new relationship would be expanding opportunities for economic growth and creating jobs for the youth,” he said.
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Potential beneficiaries of the new deal are Nakuru flower firms, fruit farmers, including growers of avocado, herbs, nuts and vegetables, and producers of hides and skins.
In May, Israel and Kenya signed an agreement to strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Kenya is Israel’s fourth largest trade partner in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics.