The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Nairobi has today afternoon launched the ‘Soko la Indonesia’ at the Indonesia embassy in Nairobi –Kenya, which is a supermarket-style Indonesian products house. This follows the Hybrid Trade showcase 2021 that took place on the 7th and 8th September, 2021 at the Embassy.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KNCCI) Director Mr. Omarsadik Dahiye represented the private sector at the launch that was officiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Amb. Kamau Macharia, who  called on Kenyans to take advantage of the Soko la Indonesia which displays sample products of the Indonesian market that could be of interest to many.

He acknowledged that Kenya and Indonesia have good trade relations with Soko la Indonesia coming in handy to boost trade between the two countries.

Amb. Kamau remarks were echoed by the Chamber Director Mr. Omarsadik who highlighted that Kenya and Indonesia maintain bilateral relations and are partners in multilateral organizations such as the World Trade Organizations (WTO) and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The Chamber Director conveyed that Kenya has been consistently ranked among the improving top countries in the ease of doing business, friendly environment and a preferred investment destinations in the East African region. With main exports to Indonesia being cocoa, tea, leather, metallic salts and peroxysalts, Mr. Omarsadik stated that Kenya offers a reliable investment opportunity for Indonesia.

He however expressed the need for Kenya to expand products currently exported to the Indonesian market and also diversify product range through the promotion of other products where Kenya has a supply capability with a minimal presence in the Indonesian market.

Speaking on behalf of the Indonesian republic H.E Dr. Mohamad Hery Saripudin, who is the Ambassador of Indonesia to Kenya, explained that the Soko la Indonesia will enable visitors at the Embassy to find and interact physically with a comprehensive range of sample products and connect with the producers to follow up directly.

He went further to elucidate that the visitors will be able to see a vast range of samples, from food and beverages, spices, handicrafts, fashion, furniture, automotive, and strategic industries products.

The Indonesia Ambassador also indicated that mutual relationship and trust between the two countries is key for advancement of international trade.

“It is known that most if not all relationships are built upon trust. It is the most basic foundation of any structure. Nothing can be built upon if the foundation is not solid,” said Ambassador Saripudin.

He therefore called on the two counties to nurture trust from each other and build upon a structure that will benefit both sides.

To boost trade relations between the two countries, Indonesia and Kenyan foreign ministers signed a memorandum of understanding on 19th June 208 in Nairobi, to establish a Joint Commission of Indonesia and Kenya. The commission serves as a forum to expand and improve cooperation sectors, also to solve bilateral problems.

In addition to this, the Kenya Chamber of Commerce signed an MOU with the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce in 2017 to promote trade and investment relations and exchange of information.

The Soko La Indonesia launch was also attended by the assistant Director at the State Department of Industry, Trade and Co-operatives Mr. Michael Mandu. The Chief Executive Officer of Kareem International Mr. Isnandar also participated virtually.

In attendance from KNCCI were, Head of Trade Policy and Research Mr. Onesmus Maside, Communications Manager Grace Mwanja and  Trade Facilitation and Advocacy Officer Fredrick Mukilya.