WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced Thursday that it intends to open free-trade talks with Kenya in pursuit of what would be the first trade agreement between the United States and a nation in sub-Saharan Africa. The announcement followed a White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. When asked about the prospects for such a deal before the meeting, Trump said it “probably” would happen. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Kenya is a leader on the African continent and an important strategic partner of the U.S."There is enormous potential for us to deepen our economic and commercial ties,” he said. Lighthizer said a “comprehensive, high-standard agreement” with Kenya can be a model for trade agreements between the U.S. and other African countries.

Source: International New York Times February 06, 2020 22:07 UTC