The Kenya -South Africa high level business forum took place on the 9th November,2022 at KICC.The forum brought together a business delegation from South Africa,Kenya business community and government officials .
The Chamber 1st Vice President Dr.Erick Rutto being one of the key note speakers representing the private sector appreciated the relationship between Kenya and South Africa 🇿🇦 noting that Kenya is among South Africa’s leading trading partners in Africa and a major recipient of Foreign Direct Investment from South Africa
Kenya has experienced a trade imbalance with South Africa. This is premised on the fact that Kenya is primarily an agricultural economy while South Africa is advanced in manufacturing, mining, service and technology, which makes it able to produce high value goods at low costs.
In his remarks Dr.Rutto urged the two countries to look into the trade barriers limiting business between the two countries .The trade barriers are;
*Visa Issuance* Currently Kenyan Business people apply for Visa to visit South Africa which is granted for 3 months while South African Business people get Visa on arrival. We need to harmonize the process and consider long-term Visa for Kenyan Business people.
*Advance Rulings* Business people would appreciate advance ruling, which will provide decisions on the classification, origin and valuation of commodities prior to their importation or exportation, thus improving certainty and predictability.
*Multiple documentation* A number of KNCCI exporters have reported excessive documentation and bureaucracy required to facilitate product samples unlike other Countries. (Need to simplify the process of documentation).
*Delay in payments* Some exporters and importers have reported delay on payments and export fraud, which are not only limited to Kenya-South Africa trade but other destinations as well.
Minimum exposure to South African Business information and opportunities.
*High Import Tariff Rates * 35%) on Kenyan products to South Africa.