Nairobi: The State Department of Investment Promotion (SDIP) and the Netherlands Business Hub Kenya (NLBH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance support for Dutch businesses in Kenya and promote investment opportunities in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the MOU was signed during a business forum held as part of the State Visit to Kenya by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, highlighted the significance of the agreement, which aims to bolster economic growth in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) of the government of Kenya.
‘This MOU underwrites the recognition of the Kenyan Government of the importance of the Netherlands business community as one of the largest trade and investment partners for Kenya,’ stated Abubakar. The PS reiterated that SDIP, established under Executive Order No. 1 of 2023 within the Ministry of Investment, Tr
ade, and Investment Promotion, is responsible for implementing investment policies and attracting private investments to position Kenya as a top investment destination in Africa. He added that the agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to fostering economic collaboration.
Making his remarks, Chairman of the Netherlands Business Hub, Jules Delahaije, emphasized the value of public-private cooperation that will not only boost business opportunities but also foster strong bilateral ties between the two nations. ‘The cooperation between The State Department of Investment Promotion and The Netherlands Business Hub confirms the value of the Netherlands business community in Kenya as a good example of the public and private sector supporting each other to promote doing business in Kenya and to improve the investment climate,’ he stressed.
Delahaije further highlighted that the Netherlands Business Hub Kenya works to strengthen trade and investment between Kenya and the Netherlands through advocacy, b
usiness intelligence, and trade promotion. Concurrently, Yvonne Oerlemans, the General Manager of the Netherlands Business Hub Kenya, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership which will facilitate connections, stimulate growth, transfer knowledge, and great networking possibilities. ‘The signing of the MOU is a recognition of our passion and our commitment to connect business communities locally here in Kenya and between Kenya and the Netherlands,’ she affirmed.
Meanwhile, the Dutch Ambassador to Kenya, Henk-Jan Bakker, reinforced the importance of collaboration, stating that a strong partnership between government and the private sector is essential for business support. ‘The signing of this MOU will strengthen the economic ties between Kenya and the Netherlands and will create more chances for trade and investment,’ he remarked, disclosing that the agreement is expected to open new avenues for Dutch businesses in Kenya while further enhancing bilateral economic relations.