Economy

Biden ally backs Kenya-US trade deal proposal

KENYA-US-TRADE

US President Joe Biden. The United States Chamber of Commerce is urging President Biden to seal a new trade deal with Kenya, which was initiated by his predecessor Donald Trump. PHOTO | AFP

A key US lawmaker who heads a crucial legislative committee charged with matters related to international trade and the negotiation and implementation of reciprocal agreements has backed the proposed deal with Kenya.

Mr Richard Neal—an ally of US President Joe Biden and head of the Ways & Means Committee of Congress --which is responsible for US trade -- said he is confident negotiations for the free trade agreement (FTA) trade pact which was initiated former President Donald Trump will be concluded.

“I’m hopeful that they can be completed,” Mr Neal who belongs to the Democratic party was quoted saying when asked about talks with Kenya and the UK in an online forum hosted by the Washington International Trade Association.

“...moving on to a bilateral trade agreement with the UK makes a good deal of sense. We also have had extensive discussions with Kenya.”

Mr Neal's comment backing the proposed Kenya US trade deal comes hot on the heels of similar vote of confidence in the pact by the United States Chamber of Commerce.

The US Chamber of Commerce- which is biggest and most influential US business lobby group - recently said it wants the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two nations concluded fast to pave the way for uptake of business and investment opportunities.