Pakistan, the world’s largest importer of Kenyan tea, has declared the commodity an essential import to cater for the domestic demand of tea.
In what will come as good news to Kenyan tea farmers, the country’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed in a letter that the same will be included in the State Bank of Pakistan ’s Exchange Policy Department via amendment.
“In view of the above, it is requested that necessary instructions may be issued to the banks for opening LC’s of the tea on priority as this is part of essential imports in food category,” said Qamar Zaman, Pakistan’s Director General, Agro in a letter to Governor of the country’s state bank.
The decision coming at a time the Pakistan Tea Association informed the government that during the upcoming month of Ramadan, domestic demand of tea will increase substantially across the country.
Kenya’s Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi welcomed the decision by Islamabad saying the move will make it possible for traders to manage dollar shortage.
“I am happy to announce that our request to have Tea considered as an essential Commodity has been approved,” he said
“It comes in as great news with the Pakistan market, being the largest for Kenyan tea at over 45%. This will indeed increase foreign exchange and raise the volumes of Kenyan tea to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” he added
