Speaking at the Milly Glass Works in Mombasa County, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Ms Koleka Anita Mqulwana said bilateral relations between Kenya and South Africa are at an all time high.
She said many opportunities now exist between Kenya and South Africa for the two countries to build stronger trade and investment ties that can withstand the test of time.
Mqulwana said her country was easing visa requirements for business people and students so as to enhance ‘people-to-people relationships’.
The envoy who was accompanied by the embassy’s economic counsellor Njabulo Mbewe and senior marketing officer Gerald Ockotch visited the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa branch offices commended the management of Milly Glass Works Limited following their exemplary performance.
The firm is the leading glass container and tableware manufacturer based in Mombasa and supply leading its products to spirit, food and beverages industries where it produces over 100 million bottles per annum.
Milly Glass Works Limited has markets in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
The envoy added that   both countries need to prioritize agriculture, tourism, sports and cultural activities for the youth to enhance social cohesion.
She also met Governor Hassan Ali Joho and other senior official representatives where they discussed the twining of Mombasa and Durban cities to stimulate tourism and maritime trade.
The ambassador said they would welcome investments in business, tourism and industrial sector.
‘The port cities of Durban and Mombasa would soon sign a memorandum of understanding that would help in facilitating further cooperation in various fields’ she said.
She added they have good relations with Kenya and we are striving to enhance cooperation in the fields of business, education, health and agriculture.
She urged business communities of the two countries need to increase their contacts to improve business ties.
She invited KNCCI branch officials to visit South Africa for meetings with the trade leaders.
Mohamed Rashid, Director Milly Glass Ltd said improved relations between Kenya and South Africa would help manufacturers move up the value chain.
KNCCI chairman James Mureu said a trade delegation would soon visit South Africa to explore opportunities of enhancing trade between the business communities of the two countries.
Mureu said the KNCCI was keen to strengthen trade ties and exploring new investment prospects with South Africa.
Mureau said that the envoys visit to Mombasa was meant to position South African business in Coast region.
“We are keen to exploit competencies and strengths we have between
Kenya and South Africa and this visit will encourage just that,” Mureau.
He added that the construction of the Ksh200 million modern cruise handling terminal at the Port of Mombasa  could open up cruise business between the Coastal port cities of Mombasa and those in South Africa
Source: Coast Week

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.