Kenya leader calls for increased South-South trade

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday called for increased trade between Kenya and the Latin America and Caribbean regions.

Kenyatta said it is through trade that the South to South cooperation would be more beneficial to the citizens of the member states.

"He also said there is need to explore areas of communication especially having direct flights from Kenya to the Latin America and Caribbean region," said a statement issued in Nairobi after Kenyatta held talks with a business delegation from Latin America, Caribbean and Africa in Nairobi.

The Kenyan leader pledged government's support in facilitating the business community so as to deepen the South to South Cooperation.

The delegation is in the country to attend the Latin America, Caribbean Africa Business Summit which is taking place in Nairobi and for the first time in Africa.

The summit is aimed at creating and strengthening trade ties between the African, Latin American, Caribbean countries so as to improve the economies of both continents, tapping into new and unexplored markets and potential.

"The Summit's core concept is business-to-business and business to government sessions to allow for direct and personal contacts and networking," the statement said.

Delegates will seek to explore investment opportunities in tourism and development of the hospitality sector, agriculture and agribusiness, manufacturing, extractive industries, infrastructure, finance and Information and communication technology.

Kenyatta thanked the organizers of the summit, saying it will go a long way in ensuring mutually beneficial trade and economic growth between the two continents. Endit