Kenya campaign against America’s trade deal with Asia

                               
Kenya is lobbying against the planned Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) between the United States and 12 Asian countries for fear of losing its preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).

Kenyan officials joined trade ministers from African countries at this year’s Agoa forum in Washington to urge the US to reconsider the move, arguing that the proposed pact will make African goods uncompetitive in the US market.

Trade Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo told reporters that the preferences that Kenya enjoys will be eroded once the US enters into trade agreements with other states outside Africa.

“Other trade agreements such as the Transpacific Partnership Agreement that the US is planning will affect the goods that are currently enjoying preferential rates [in] America,” said Dr Kiptoo.