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Former diplomat Invites Apparel Manufacturers to Capitalize on Strategic Trade Advantage with the USA via Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya – Former High Commissioner to Kenya Kana Kananathan has urged Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers to seize the tremendous opportunity presented by Kenya’s favorable trade terms with the United States and the African region.
Speaking at a business forum in Nairobi, the High Commissioner highlighted that apparel exports from Kenya to the United States currently enjoy a significant tariff advantage—just 10%, compared to 20% levied on direct exports from Sri Lanka. This differential, he stressed, offers a clear commercial incentive for Sri Lankan manufacturers to consider relocating or expanding their operations to Kenya in order to gain a competitive edge in the global market.
“Some of our leading apparel manufacturers have already established their presence and further expanding in Kenya,” said Kananathan. “I urge others to follow suit and not miss this unique window to grow exports to the USA and tap into the growing African regional markets.”
Ambassador Kananathan emphasized that Kenya presents not only a strategic geographic location, but also a robust policy framework to support foreign investors. He assured potential investors that the Government of Kenya is fully committed to facilitating Sri Lankan business ventures, offering incentives and streamlined processes to ensure smooth operations.
In a significant move to support this initiative, former envoy Kananathan has launched a One-Stop Facilitation Center in collaboration with the Government of Kenya. This center will assist Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers from the initial stages of setting up operations all the way through to export. It will provide end-to-end support including licensing, customs clearance, logistics, and export facilitation.
He recalled recently six new Chinese apparel factories have established in the Fee trade zone in Kenya.
“Our mission is clear—we are here to support every Sri Lankan investor with the backing of Government. . Kenya is not just a gateway to the U.S. market, but to the entire African continent. We welcome you to be part of this transformational opportunity.”
Ambassador Kananathan”s appeal comes at a time when global supply chains are shifting and demand for cost-effective and agile sourcing is growing. With Kenya’s duty-free access to U.S. markets under AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) and its emerging position as an East African trade hub, the move presents a compelling proposition for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector.
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