Zarif meets Iranian traders in Kenya

Nairobi, Feb 2, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is on an African tour, met with Iranian merchants in Kenya on Monday morning. In the meeting, Zarif was briefed on the problems and difficulties of Iranian businessmen in the east African country. On the sidelines of the meeting, Iran's Ambassador in Nairobi, Hossein Givzad told IRNA that Kenya is the gate to east and central Africa's economy and it is hoped that Iranian traders reach good agreements with their Kenyan counterparts. Kenya economy, like other African countries, is mostly based on export of agricultural products, minerals, and fish. Tourism also plays an important role in Kenya economy. Recently, oil has been discovered in some parts of Kenya. Over half of Kenyans live on agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing. The main industries in Kenya include foodstuff and minerals processing. Economically, Kenya is the most attractive country in east Africa. Kenya imports picth, vaseline, industrial oil, steel sheets, carpets, and foodstuff from Iran. Kenya imports from Iran in the year 1392 (March 21, 2012, March 2013) exceeded $26 million. In the same period, Kenya exported over $11 million of mineral raw materials and tea to Iran. Zarif arrived in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Monday morning for an African tour which will take him to Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania. On his visit to Nairobi, Zarif is scheduled to hold talks with his Kenyan counterpart and other top-ranking officials of the country to review issues of mutual interest, as well as regional and international issues. Kenya is located in eastern Africa. Apart from Nairobi, which is the country's capital, Kisumu and Nakuru are major cities of Kenya.