The much anticipated Kenya-Iran Business Forum was successfully held today at Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel in Nairobi.

The forum that was organized by The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce Industry (KNCCI) in collaboration with the Kenya Iran Embassy and Tesmoh International Limited convened over 100 entrepreneurs from Kenya and Iran to share and exchange business ideas.

The Chamber President Mr. Richard Ngatia was represented at the Business Forum by KNCCI Chair for Economic Diplomacy, Mr. Kariuki Theuri who gave the Chamber’s opening remarks.

Mr. Theuri highlighted that Kenya and Iran share areas of interest, in particular: trade in petroleum and agricultural produce. He underscored that KNCCI seeks to renew and strengthen bilateral partnerships with Iran private sector membership organizations in order to cement the relationship between Kenya and Iran.

This was emphasized on by the 1st Chamber Vice President Dr. Eric Ruto who stated that KNCCI commits to continuously engage with the Iranian business community to advance each other’s’ economies by upholding the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win business deals across all fronts.

Accordingly, Mr. Patrick Nyangweso who is the Chief Operating Officer at the Chamber has stipulated that the Business forum is an indicator that the nations are committed to promoting economic growth through private sector development and regional integration.

Such Business to Business (B2B) engagements are important for facilitating market linkages, strengthening relations between countries, improving trade and providing a platform for sharing of investment opportunities.

B2B engagement is a viable benefit that KNCCI offers to its members with the aim of improving both local and global trade and ensuring retention of good international trade relations.

Kenya is a country with a great potential, ready market for fast -moving consumer goods and a vibrant capital market.

The government of Iran has made efforts in creating an enabling environment aimed at promoting economic diversification, private sector led growth through an inclusive growth approach.

To this end, the government of Kenya has constantly expanded market access for foreign investors through signing and ratifying of international instruments that govern trade and investment operations.

The Kenya Chamber of Commerce anticipates for growth opportunities accruing to the business community as a result of the Kenya -Iran business forum.

The Chamber was also represented by Director Western Region Mr. John Shimaka and officers from different departments.