ITI Welcomes Launch of U.S.-Kenya Trade Negotiations, Calls for Strong Digital Trade Commitments
WASHINGTON – Today, global tech trade association ITI welcomed the launch of bilateral trade negotiations between the United States and Kenya and highlighted the opportunity for this agreement to demonstrate the benefits of strong digital trade commitments for development, innovation, and global competitiveness.
“We welcome the start of negotiations toward a comprehensive, high-standard trade agreement between the United States and Kenya,” said Sam Rizzo, ITI Senior Director of Policy. “By including a state-of-the-art digital trade chapter, this agreement can set a benchmark for trade agreements in Africa and around the world while demonstrating the benefits of high-standard digital trade provisions for improving standards of living and spurring economic development. We look forward to building on our recent recommendations with partners in both countries as they work toward this important agreement.”
In April 2020, ITI submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on U.S.-Kenya trade negotiations and encouraged negotiators to develop a digital trade chapter that breaks new ground and sets a new benchmark for facilitating inclusive trade in the digital era between developed and developing countries.