National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has said a partnership between Kenya and Brazil is needed to enhance food security.
This, he said, will be achieved through agricultural support programmes that will improve food security in the country.
He spoke on Wednesday when Brazilian Ambassador Silvio José Albuquerque e Silva paid him a courtesy call at his office within Parliament.
Wetangu’la emphasised the need to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
He said through the partnership, Kenya will learn from Brazil’s success in extensive and advanced industries in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and its emerging economic power, saying this will help attract more foreign direct investment.
The speaker further suggested that Kenya directly obtain farming equipment from Brazil instead of exploring other options.
“Brazil is known for producing very good agricultural equipment ranging from good coffee pulping machines, tractors and earth moving equipment. These farming machines are needed not only in Kenya but also across the East African Community where a big market for this equipment can be found,” he said.
Wetangu’la urged Silvio to devise plans to elevate collaboration between the two countries, particularly on issues trade and investment.
“The dominant powers of the “Global North” control over 90 per cent of world trade and are reluctant to cede their position, hence, it is imperative that we not only approach but forcefully enter the international trade arena,” he said.
“We rely on effective and dynamic diplomacy, such as your own, to achieve our objectives, and as a nation, we are committed to doing our part.”
Wetang’ula noted Brazil’s position as a leader in preserving natural vegetation being home to the Amazon forest.
In reference to this, the Speaker proposed a partnership between the two countries to support President William Ruto’s initiative of planting 15 billion trees.
On his part, Silvio touched on the collaboration between Kenya Airways and Embraer, citing an MoU signed in August 2021.
Source : The Star
