Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Slovenian companies to take advantage of existing manufacturing and processing opportunities available in Kenya at the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Mudavadi said that Kenya also had a well-established ICT infrastructure to grow their investments in the country and access the regional market.
Speaking when he hosted his excellency Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia at the Railways office, Mudavadi said during their deliberations on strengthening the two countries’ relations, Fajon highlighted Slovenia’s advanced apiculture and the huge opportunity for our partnership to enhance beekeeping.
“Our deliberations focused on opportunities for collaboration in key sectors including trade and economic cooperation, agriculture and food security, health, ICT, green energy, environment and climate change, as well as on regional and multilateral cooperation.” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi said that the Slovenian leader offered the sector through capacity building for beekeepers to gain the relevant skills and expertise in the entire honey value chain, including production and processing.
He noted that the visit was important as it coincided with the celebration of over three decades of excellent relations between Kenya and Slovenia.
During the deliberations with the Slovenian delegation, PCS also Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said focus was on opportunities for collaboration in key sectors including trade and economic cooperation, agriculture and food security, health, ICT, green energy, environment and climate change, as well as on regional and multilateral cooperation.
Mudavadi noted that on trade and investment, Kenya and Slovenia shared ideas on new opportunities to improve the balance of trade between the two countries which included leveraging the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement to grow Kenya’s exports to Slovenia.
On environment and climate action, Mudavadi said that the two countries shared their concerns on the existential threat posed by climate change and underscored the need for a concerted effort to address these challenges.
“We have agreed to work together to step up our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity by prioritizing green growth. We have also agreed to work collectively, including during the upcoming COP 29, to advocate for a more reformed and inclusive global climate financing framework.” Mudavadi added.
PCS sought the support of The Deputy Prime Minister for H.E President William Ruto’s global agenda on climate action, biodiversity protection and the need to accelerate green growth on the multilateral front.
Mudavadi said that they had also agreed to work together in advancing the global dialogue on financing for development, promotion of inclusivity and equality, as well as teaming up to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“I have sought Slovenia’s support in championing for a fair and just multilateral system with a more inclusive global financing architecture.” Mudavadi added.
He briefed her on the peace situation in Sudan, Southern Sudan, Somalia, the Kenyan peacekeeping mission in Haiti, and the Kenyan effort to ensure a peaceful and stable Horn of Africa, the continent, and the Globe.
“We have exchanged ideas on regional and global peace and security. We noted the negative impact of the conflicts on global trade especially through escalation of shipping costs and disruption of supply chains.” Mudavadi added.
He noted that they had agreed on the need for concerted efforts and global solidarity in addressing regional and global conflicts and urged Slovenia to partner with us to support the various Peace Initiatives in our region especially during their current tenure at the United Nations Security Council.
On her part, Fajon said the Slovenian government was keen on strong relationship with Kenya and announced that they will have a state visit to Kenyan early next year.
“We also welcome you to visit Slovenia and speak with the investors who would be keen to invest in Kenya.” Fajon said.
