Ruto tells developed nations to create fair trade environment

Deputy President William Ruto has accused developed countries of putting barriers in the trade of agricultural products from developing nations, making it difficult for commodities from Africa to access Western markets.

Mr Ruto said there was need for Western states to create a new environment of fairness among all nations.

“Developed countries have put hurdles in the way of agricultural products from developing nations to access Western markets leading to a lose-win situation,” said Mr Ruto.

The Deputy President called on rich nations to address the concerns of poorer nations on issues of subsidies and access to markets as a way of addressing trade imbalance.

Mr Ruto said the ongoing 10th World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference should result in a new business environment that is fair in trade among all nations.

“The ongoing trade negotiations should refine those issues which have been raised to expand trade around the world and for the benefit of all the concerned parties. The meeting should hammer out an agreement to give all countries a chance to participate in trade in a fair manner,” he said.

He made the remarks when he held separate talks with Turkey Economic minister Mustafa Elitas and his Portuguese counterpart Manuel Cabral as well as the Indian High Commissioner to Kenya Suchitra Durai, who called on him at his Karen office on Wednesday.

Mr Ruto’s remarks follows those of President Uhuru Kenyatta who on Monday called on the Western countries to abandon subsidies that they give to their farmers as these hurt agricultural producers in developing nations.

Mr Kenyatta said the domestic support by Western states is damaging Africa’s agriculture and industry.

READ: Kenya targets farming subsidies at WTO forum

The DP expressed concern that there was a huge imbalance between Kenya and Turkey in bilateral trade.

“Kenya’s exports to Turkey are worth Sh900 million while we import goods worth Sh14 billion,” said Mr Ruto.

He urged Turkey to support Kenyan companies to access its markets noting that the country has the best quality tea that is yet to access the Turkish market.

“I am optimistic that you will do something when you go back to your country so that our tea among other products can access markets in Turkey. By doing this we will ensure a win-win situation for our two countries,” he said.

Mr Elitas expressed optimism that developed nations would address the concerns raised on issues of subsidies and access to markets.

“It is my hope that this Nairobi meeting will come up with favourable balance of trade for all of us to benefit,” said the Turkey minister.

Dr Cabral said Portuguese businesspeople will take advantage of the existing opportunities in the field of energy and infrastructure in Kenya, pointing out that his country will establish a business trade office in Kenya to boost investments.

“We are fast tracking our plans to open business trade centre in Kenya to enable businesspeople from our two countries to explore existing business opportunities,” said Dr Cabral.