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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24066, member: 2262"] Kenya Trade Department Leads Digital Push, Regional Growth. Kenya's State Department for Trade drives economic change through digital tools and regional deals. The agency helps local firms reach new markets at home and abroad. Digital solutions are at the heart of Kenya's trade plans. A new e-commerce program launched last December brings together public and private groups and aims to help small businesses use online platforms more effectively. The department signed several key trade agreements, including deals with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, and benefits from the African Growth Act. A major breakthrough came with the Tripartite Free Trade Area, which will be operational on July 25, 2024. This deal joins three African trade groups: Comesa, EAC, and SADC. It creates one market covering half of Africa's people. Under this plan, Kenyan products gain easier access across Africa. Tea, coffee, fruits, vegetables, and flowers face fewer trade barriers. The agreement cuts taxes on 60% of goods, with plans to reach 90%. Kenya made history by sending special tea to Ghana in 2022 through the African trade program. The country shipped $5 million worth of goods to Ghana and South Africa, including batteries and plastic items. The department launched the Kenya National Multi-Commodities Exchange to help farmers. This system connects small farms to storage and loans. The government invested 797 million shillings, with private groups adding 1.4 billion more. Kenya works with other nations through trade committees. These groups solve trade problems with Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands. The department speaks up at world trade meetings, participating in discussions about food safety, trade rules, and business support. This ensures that Kenya's voice matters in global trade decisions. Through these efforts, Kenya builds stronger trade ties and helps its businesses grow. The focus stays on digital progress and regional partnerships to create more opportunities for Kenyan companies. [/QUOTE]

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