AFRICA APAC EUROPE MIDDLE EAST NORTH AMERICA

During the meetings last month , the two sides exchanged views on the key concepts to be addressed on almost all of the areas outlined in the July 14 , 2022 joint statement announcing the initiative .

The goal of the partnership is to increase investment ; promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth ; benefit workers , consumers and businesses ( including micro- , small- and medium-sized enterprises ); and support African regional economic integration .

The joint statement identified a set of initial issues on which the United States and Kenya share the goal of negotiating highstandard commitments in order to achieve economically meaningful outcomes . in the following initial areas : ( 1 ) agriculture , ( 2 ) anticorruption , ( 3 ) digital trade , ( 4 ) environment and climate action , ( 5 ) good regulatory practices , ( 6 ) micro , small and medium size enterprises , ( 7 ) protecting worker ’ s rights and protections , ( 8 ) services domestic regulation , ( 9 ) supporting the participation of women , youth and others in trade , ( 10 ) standards collaboration and ( 11 ) trade facilitation and customs procedures .

For agriculture , the two countries will consider measures to facilitate agricultural trade and enhance transparency and understanding of the application of science- and riskbased Sanitary and Phytosanitary ( SPS ) measures . The two sides share an interest in fostering sustainable agricultural practices , as well as creating an enabling environment for innovative agricultural technologies that would help achieve food security goals , increase farm productivity and improve farmer livelihoods , while addressing climate change concerns .

With a focus on anti-corruption , the US and Kenya share a commitment to prevent and combat bribery and other forms of corruption . The two sides will engage in information sharing of best practices to prevent and combat bribery and corruption and will explore negotiating specific commitments .

With digital trade , the US and Kenya share an interest in fostering consumer , business and worker trust in the digital economy , ensuring access to information , promoting the development and use of resilient and secure digital infrastructure , promoting competition and the participation of micro , small and medium enterprises and addressing discriminatory practices .

The two countries will discuss measures to support digital inclusion , including accessibility and online consumer protection . The two countries will also monitor global discussions on emerging issues in digital trade which are of mutual interest .

With regards to environment and climate change action , they share common values with respect to environmental protection , a commitment to conservation , pursuing measures to support climate change adaptation and mitigation , and the importance of the sustainable use and management of each country ’ s natural resources as they strengthen their trade and investment relations .

At the most recent meeting , the US delegation was led by Assistant United States Trade Representative for Africa , Connie Hamilton . The Kenyan delegation was led by Trade Principal Secretary , Alfred K ’ Ombudo . The US delegation also included representatives from more than 20 US government agencies . The two sides agreed to hold additional meetings in the coming months . x

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