The Austrian Business delegation, led by H.E. Univ.-Prof. Dr. Martin KOCHER, Federal Minister of Labour and Economy of the Republic of Austria, and Ms. Mariana Kühnel, M.A., Deputy Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, visited Kenya .

During their visit, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) this morning hosted a business-to-business (B2B) forum aimed at reducing the trade deficit between Kenya and Austria. Over the years, Kenya’s exports to Austria have declined, while imports have risen, resulting in a significant trade deficit in 2021.

The Austrian delegation included 25 companies from various sectors; hospitality, machinery, healthcare, agribusiness, education, and vocational training, and technology. The Chamber President, Dr. Erick Rutto encouraged businesses to invest in Kenya, highlighting incentives such as tax breaks, duty exemptions, and simplified business registration processes. He also emphasized Kenya’s business-friendly environment and ongoing regulatory reforms to simplify procedures and reduce bureaucracy.

KNCCI committed to facilitating connections between Austrian and Kenyan businesses, identifying collaboration opportunities, and promoting knowledge transfer and economic growth. Mr. Vincent Kigen, Chairman of the National Employment Authority (NEA), expressed NEA’s readiness to collaborate with Austria on labor migration, focusing on ethical standards.

Among the KNCCI members present were Angelica Medical Supplies, Recolte, Head Waters Africa, Jambo Pay, Mara Napa,El Spacio Limited,, Bonfire Adventures, Centum Investment, Real Sources Africa and Ecoplan.