Sh3.46bn Regional Textile Training Centre To Be Established

A Sh3.46 billion regional textile training centre funded by an American corporation is to be built in Kenya. Trade and Industry minister Mukhisa Kituyi said that the decision was reached by foreign government and private sector delegates to the just-ended African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) forum in Mauritius.

The centre will oversee the establishment of light industries. Speaking in his office after returning from the forum, Dr Kituyi said the centre was funded by US-Africa Trade and Aid Link Corporation (UATALCO).

"Kenya has won the bid to host the regional trade centre to develop stronger and integrated light industries. This will go a long way in creating the jobs promised by the government," he added.

The meeting, attended by 31 delegates, exhibited a wide range of goods and horticultural products.

Dr Kituyi announced that the US government, through President George Bush's special adviser, Dr Jendayi Frazer, promised to support the government's development agenda and the Agoa programme up to 2015.

Dr Frazer also attended the Mauritius talks. During the five-day meeting the minister held discussions with the US delegates and Mauritius government officials. Kenya and Mauritius signed a bilateral trade agreement.

"President Bush, in his speech, indicated that he fully supported the extension of the Agoa benefits beyond 2008 and promised to push for this at the Congress," Dr Kituyi said. He added that the US president also promised increased technical assistance to Kephis, when representatives from its American counterpart, Aphis, visit the country in April to research on Kenya's fresh produce for its possible access to the US markets.

The minister said discussions with the US Development Agency (USTDA) had been fruitful and that the agency would support Kenya's cotton and textile industry.

The US government, he said, planed to increase its Sh385 billion support for agriculture, education, health and trade in Kenya and Africa.

Secretary of State Collin Powell would preside over the Millennium Challenge Account for Africa. Discussions were also held with the South African, Chinese, Tanzanian and Comesa counterparts on how to promote investments.