KENYA – A recent agreement between the European Union and Kenya to facilitate sea shipping for fresh produce has significantly increased the volume of goods arriving from Tanzania and Uganda at the Mombasa port.
The agreement, finalized after a decade of negotiations, has paved the way for duty-free access to the European market for Kenyan exports.
This landmark agreement covers a wide range of sustainability criteria, including environmental protection and gender equality, making it one of the most comprehensive trade deals between the EU and a developing nation.
The move, aimed at enhancing trade relations and sustainability, is a development that follows the implementation of a partnership agreement between Kenya and the European Union, allowing for the transportation of perishable goods via sea routes.
Since the agreement came into effect, there has been a marked increase of six percent in the volume of fresh produce arriving from Tanzania and Uganda at the Mombasa port.
Captain William Ruto of the Kenya Ports Authority confirmed the positive impact of the pact, highlighting its role in reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
“The shift towards sea transport for horticultural produce not only benefits the environment by lowering emissions but also enhances revenue streams,” explained Captain Ruto.
This strategic move aligns with Kenya’s commitment to sustainable practices and aims to bolster economic gains by optimizing trade routes and logistics.
To accommodate the influx of fresh produce, the Kenya Ports Authority has expanded its refrigeration facilities and streamlined inspection processes at various port facilities.
These enhancements are designed to minimize turnaround times for trucks transporting perishable goods, ensuring freshness and quality upon arrival at their destinations.
Looking ahead, the Economic Partnership Agreement is expected to foster deeper integration within the East African Community (EAC), potentially extending its benefits to other member states.
By addressing production challenges and improving value addition processes, Kenya aims to enhance the competitiveness of its agricultural exports, particularly avocados, mangoes, and vegetables, in global markets.
For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
KENYA – A recent agreement between the European Union and Kenya to facilitate sea shipping for fresh produce has significantly increased the volume of goods arriving from Tanzania and Uganda at the Mombasa port.
The agreement, finalized after a decade of negotiations, has paved the way for duty-free access to the European market for Kenyan exports.
This landmark agreement covers a wide range of sustainability criteria, including environmental protection and gender equality, making it one of the most comprehensive trade deals between the EU and a developing nation.
The move, aimed at enhancing trade relations and sustainability, is a development that follows the implementation of a partnership agreement between Kenya and the European Union, allowing for the transportation of perishable goods via sea routes.
Since the agreement came into effect, there has been a marked increase of six percent in the volume of fresh produce arriving from Tanzania and Uganda at the Mombasa port.
Captain William Ruto of the Kenya Ports Authority confirmed the positive impact of the pact, highlighting its role in reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
“The shift towards sea transport for horticultural produce not only benefits the environment by lowering emissions but also enhances revenue streams,” explained Captain Ruto.
This strategic move aligns with Kenya’s commitment to sustainable practices and aims to bolster economic gains by optimizing trade routes and logistics.
To accommodate the influx of fresh produce, the Kenya Ports Authority has expanded its refrigeration facilities and streamlined inspection processes at various port facilities.
These enhancements are designed to minimize turnaround times for trucks transporting perishable goods, ensuring freshness and quality upon arrival at their destinations.
Looking ahead, the Economic Partnership Agreement is expected to foster deeper integration within the East African Community (EAC), potentially extending its benefits to other member states.
By addressing production challenges and improving value addition processes, Kenya aims to enhance the competitiveness of its agricultural exports, particularly avocados, mangoes, and vegetables, in global markets.
For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.