Cabinet Secretary (CS) in the Ministry of Trade Investment and Industry Rebecca Miano is on a mission in Japan to woo investors and market Kenya as an investment hub.
The CS, who is currently in Japan, met investors from Toyota Motomachi plant and visited Honda motorbike factory, in Kumamoto, a popular city.
According to CS Miano, Kenyan government will collaborate with global partners under the G7 Africa collaboration on trade.
The Embassy of Japan in Kenya acknowledged Miano’s visit stating that it is line with the proposed Industrial Policy Dialogue.
“On October 26,2023 Rebecca Miano, CS for Trade visited the Honda motorbike factory in Kumamoto, Japan. The visit is linked to the proposed Industrial Policy Dialogue and to perceive growth of top brands from small industries,” said the Embassy.
Further, the CS said the visit shows Kenya’s commitment to fostering international partnerships.
Moreover, Miano stated that the meeting signifies Kenya’s dedication to exploring avenues of cooperation with renowned industry leaders.
“As Kenya continues its journey towards growth and progress, we recognize the pivotal role of meaningful collaborations with our global partners.
It was my honor to extend this collaborative spirit during my visit to the Honda Automobile Factory on the sidelines of the G7 Trade Ministers Meeting,” said Miano.
Additionally, the CS explored electric, hybrid and hydrogen technologies at the Toyota Motomachi plant.
Further, Miano said Kenya will strengthen ties with global companies like Toyota to boost its industrialization agenda.
“Partnerships for local manufacturing means more jobs, skills, and a thriving automotive sector,” said Miano.
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Kenya’s Role
Also, Miano said she emphasized Kenya’s role as a gateway to emerging markets during the meeting with the investors from the two companies.
“Scaling up production aligns with our shared economic interests, fostering the growth of Honda’s assembly operations and strengthening diplomatic and trade ties between our nations,” she explained.
In addition, CS Miano held discussions with Toyota Motor Company team led by President and CEO Ichiro Kashitani.
Miano explained that the meeting was about propelling Kenya’s industrialization and technology sectors.
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Kenya-Japan Relationship
She emphasized that there is an investment friendly environment between the two countries using the Toyota Fortuner’s Assembly in Mombasa as an indication.
Moreover, CS Miano said Kenya’s National Automotive Policy is steering towards local assembly, gradually phasing out used imports, and propelling the country’s automotive industry to new heights.
On October 23, President William Ruto met Japanese ambassador to Kenya Ken Okaniwa, who delivered a message from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and apprised him on next year’s official visit to Japan.
Ruto said, “Kenya and Japan are celebrating 60 years of diplomacy, friendship and partnership. We share a long history of trade, cordial relations and strong cooperation.
He added: We are grateful for Japan’s funding of infrastructure projects in health, agriculture and education among them a high-tech laboratory/ facility upgrade at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the Southern by-pass in Mombasa and an intelligent transport system in Mombasa County.
