Z’bar seeks stronger Kenya trade ties
ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has renewed Zanzibar’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment cooperation with Kenya, underscoring the long-standing historical and fraternal ties between Tanzania and Kenya.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks at the State House in Zanzibar when he received Kenya’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Catherine Karemu, who paid a courtesy call following the start of her diplomatic assignment.
The President said Zanzibar is ready to deepen cooperation with Kenya in key sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, aviation and the Blue Economy.
He also stressed the need for closer collaboration among standards institutions within the East African Community (EAC), saying harmonised product standards will remove trade barriers and facilitate access to regional markets.
“Strengthening cooperation among standards authorities is essential in facilitating trade and ensuring our products can move freely across the region,” Dr Mwinyi said.
On infrastructure, the President said the government is finalising construction of the Shumba Port in Micheweni District, North Pemba Region, which is expected to improve the movement of passengers and cargo between Pemba and Kenyan ports, particularly Mombasa.
He said the new port will boost trade, reduce transport costs and create new economic opportunities for the people of Pemba and businesses in both countries.
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Dr Mwinyi also called for expanded direct air links between Zanzibar and Kenya, noting that improved connectivity would spur tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
He further invited Kenyan investors to tap into Zanzibar’s growing investment opportunities, particularly in tourism, the Blue Economy and other strategic sectors that support economic growth and job creation.
On seaweed farming, the President said Zanzibar, one of Africa’s leading seaweed producers, is keen to work with Kenya to share expertise, improve production, promote value addition and expand markets for seaweed products.
Speaking during the meeting, the High Commissioner pledged to strengthen bilateral relations between Kenya and Tanzania, particularly Zanzibar, by promoting cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, transport and other development sectors.
She said Kenya remains committed to working closely with the government of Zanzibar to identify and advance new areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
