Trade agreements between COMESA member states are still effective despite the coming into effect of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya says there is a need to strengthen traditional trade partnerships and markets where Kenya has gained a foothold before exploring new markets.
Kenyan traders will access new African markets with ease after COMESA has harmonized 90 per cent of its trade policies with the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement.
The COMESA secretariat insists agreements between member states still remain intact despite the new trade developments.
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CS Munya says retaining regional blocs will preserve Kenya’s key trading partners and markets.
To deepen intra-Africa trade, African governments are being urged to invest more in regional transport integration network, to reduce transport costs that have seen the continent lose at least 172 billion dollars annually and ease the movement of goods and people.
COMESA says the automation of border operations will increase intra Africa trade to more than 50 per cent from the current low of 10 per cent.
