India to give extra push for engineering exports to east Africa via Kenya: EEPC India

Kolkata: In a determined effort to reach out to the growing African market, top Indian engineering firms are showcasing their hi-tech value -added products and technologies at an exhibition between February 11 and February 13, 2015 at Nairobi in Kenya under the aegis of the EEPC India.

Some of the leading engineering firms from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune and Ahmedabad are taking part in the 'INDEE Kenya' which would be held concurrently with the Kenya Pharma Expo.India which has emerged as an important supplier of drugs and pharmaceuticals and with pharma machinery, would also be actively participating in the Kenya Pharma Expo being concurrently held in Nairobi.

"Though engineering exports in the current financial year have grown about 20 per cent, with the shipments from different regions showing resilient growth, the trade with the African continent needs an extra push since the potential is much more than expansion of about 12 per cent achieved between April-December, 2014-15 over the same period last year," said Regional Chairman(South Region) of EEPC India, Mr Mahesh Desai.

Sushil Singhal, India's acting High Commissioner to Kenya, said the Indian Government is really keen on expanding trade and investment with Africa and commercial engagement with Kenyan industry and business opens further avenues with several other east African countries like Somalia, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

In the backdrop of a strong Indian presence at the INDEE Kenya being held concurrently with the Kenya Pharma Expo, Mr Desai stated that the Kenyan pharmaceuticals and healthcare market presents significant revenue earning opportunities for drug companies. Growth in the sector will be boosted by strong demographics, increased healthcare needs, longer life expectancy, rising healthcare spending in the public and private sectors and improved access to health facilities. The countries pharmaceutical and consumer health market is estimated to be worth an estimated $160 million each year. Kenya exports its medical and pharmaceutical products to Tanzania, Uganda, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia and Malawi among other destinations.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.