Pleased to have hosted H.E Ambassador. Joshua I. Gatimu, EBS, Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Kenya to the Islamic Republic of Iran, who visited the Kenya Chamber of Commerce and Industry headquarters today morning.

The Ambassador was received by the Chamber Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Samuel Matonda who was representing the Chamber President Mr. Richard Ngatia.

In a discussion with the Ambassador, areas of partnership between Iran and Kenya were explored including how the Kenyan tea, coffee, and fresh fruits can penetrate the Iranian market and how Kenya can harness from Iranian technological advancement.

In his remarks, Mr. Matonda affirmed that the Chamber is ready to work with international partners to improve local trade and support penetration of local products to international markets.

The CEO has welcomed the suggestion by Ambassador Gatimu that a trade mission to Iran, and future trade exchange programs to be conducted between the two countries. This will expose trade investors to opportunities from either country.

In addition to this, the Chamber Director for Western region Mr. John Shimaka has assured of BOD’s commitment to support Chambers initiatives that are geared towards advancement of the business community in Kenya.

He therefore appreciated the visit by the ambassador and welcomed the idea for partnership with Iranian Government and Iran private sectors.

“Knowledge is power and it is noble when we meet and share ideas since this will enable us to move to greater heights”, said Shimaka.

According to Ambassador Joshua Gatimu, the Iran Government is ready to invest in Kenya and with availability of land, investors from Iran are willing to come in and devote in development projects.

Iran is in need of direct flights from Kenya to Tehran to enable the Country to easily access fresh food products from Kenya. The country highly depends on Imported fruits and Kenya has potential to fill the market gap, explained the ambassador

The ambassador has proposed that an MOU between the Kenya and Iran Chambers of Commerce be established soon to guide in future trade relations between the countries.