WASHINGTON, July 15 ― The United States and Kenya have launched a strategic trade and investment partnership through which they will pursue commitments aimed at boosting economic growth, supporting African regional economic integration and other areas, the US Trade Representative's office said yesterday.
Kenya has long sought a full free trade agreement with the United States and negotiations for such a deal to lower bilateral tariffs were launched by the former Trump administration with the east African country in 2020. But the Biden administration, which has shunned traditional trade deals, did not resume these talks.
The Kenya dialogue will include efforts to develop micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises and discussions on enforcement of labour laws and promoting workers' rights ― central components of the Biden administration's other trade initiatives.