Pakistan has removed the contentious attestation tariff on Kenya’s tea export, a major boost that will see improved trade collaboration between the two countries.
Pakistan poses as the largest buyer of Kenyan tea according to the Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina.
Speaking during a joint press briefing with Pakistan High Commissioner to Kenya Saqlain Syedah on Tuesday, the two leaders paved the way for improved trade collaboration with the removal of tea export levy to Pakistan.
“Pakistan formally removes the contentious attestation fee charged on Kenya’s tea export documents paving way for improved trade collaboration between the two countries,” said CS Maina.
In the year 2020 Pakistan imported tea worth Ksh.38 billion, and CS Maina is hopeful that with the gradual easing of coronavirus-imposed restrictions, sales are set to increase this year.
By May this year, Pakistan had already purchased Kenyan tea worth Ksh.20 billion through the Mombasa Tea Auction.
The removal of the attestation Fee on Kenyan exports puts the Pakistan Packers most dominant in the sector.
This comes barely a week after auction prices remained above Ksh.Sh221.12 mark (US$2) for the second week signalling a boost for tea farmers.
Early last month, The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) posted a marginal improvement of tea prices from its factories at the Mombasa Tea Auction, selling at an average of Khs.267.35 per Kg compared to Ksh. 251.95 at the previous auction.
KTDA attributed the decline to industry positively embracing the minimum price regime that was introduced in July this year.
