The Doing Business with Kenya Forum was established by Dubai Chambers International in collaboration with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) to bring together business executives, entrepreneurs, and specialists in international business to discuss the rapidly expanding business opportunities in Kenya and the wider East Africa region.

The Dubai Chamber's President and CEO, Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, stated during the business meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday that the organisation had seen an increase in bilateral trade between Dubai and Kenya the previous year.

"The trade value was US$2.1 billion last year. Electronics, machinery, vehicles, spare parts, and plastics accounted for the majority of Dubai's exports to Kenya, while Dubai imported a significant amount of minerals, primarily gold, coffee, and fruits, among other products," Lootah continued.

Kenya was mentioned as an East African gateway by the Dubai Chamber International, which went on to sign an MOU with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry in order to promote bilateral trade and investment.

According to Lootah, the chamber would love to see more Dubai businesspeople invest in Kenya in addition to trading with it, in order to help Kenya reach new heights.

Mohammed added that the MOU will also focus on information sharing and assist in addressing the questions and concerns brought up by the private sector in order to enable them to sign even more agreements with Kenya as a partner.

According to Dr. Erick Rutto, President of the KNCCI, the two chambers are now working on an agreement on two tools.

Dr Rutto stated that the first tool the construction of a KNCCI liaison office in Dubai is targeted towards allowing Kenyan traders to access new markets in Dubai, with the second tool being geared towards strengthening e-commerce to increase the smooth export and import of commodities.