ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar here on Thursday had a meeting with the Kenyan High Commissioner, Prof. Julius Kibet Bitok, exchanging views on expansion in economic and trade relations between the two countries.
The minister on the occasion highlighted the issue regarding enhancement in import duty on Pakistani rice by Kenya and asked for a review of the matter. He said enhancement of duty was affecting Pakistani rice exports to Kenya. The matter regarding import of Kenyan tea in Pakistan was also discussed with emphasis on efforts to ensure import through regular channels.
Both sides agreed that all matters relating to trade and business cooperation could be taken up at the long awaited Pak-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting which is to be held in Pakistan.
Finance Minister Dar asked Secretary Commerce to finalize the schedule of the Pak-Kenya JMC in consultation with the Commerce Minister and convey the decision to the Kenyan side through the Economic Affairs Division on prirotiy.
The Kenyan High Commissioner requested Finance Minister for increasing number of medical and engineering scholarships offered to Kenyan students by Pakistan. He said given the high standard of education, a large number of Kenyan students were eager to get enrolled in Pakistani educational institutions. The Minister directed Secretary EAD to accord due consideration to this request.
Both sides agreed that exchange of high level visits was imperative for furthering bilateral relations, particularly the economic cooperation. They hoped that the JMC meeting likely to be held in September/October this year in Islamabad, would pave the way for enhancement in Pak-Kenya economic cooperation.
Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Saleem Sethi, Secretary Commerce, Mohammad Shahzad Arbab and JS to Finance Minister, Awais Manzur attended the meeting.
