{"id":13769,"date":"2020-09-02T17:53:06","date_gmt":"2020-09-02T17:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.com\/kenya\/?p=13769"},"modified":"2020-09-02T17:53:06","modified_gmt":"2020-09-02T17:53:06","slug":"chamber-of-commerce-asks-government-to-open-the-alcohol-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/kenya\/economy\/chamber-of-commerce-asks-government-to-open-the-alcohol-industry","title":{"rendered":"Chamber of Commerce asks government to open the alcohol industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Author:\u00a0Judah Ben-Hur<\/strong>
\nAfricaPress-Kenya: <\/strong>The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has requested the government to consider re-opening the alcohol industry for the revitalization of export markets, accessing finance for trade, supporting human capital and job creation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe chamber recognizes the major impact Covid-19 is having on the alcoholic beverage industry due to mandated business closures and other protective measures.<\/p>\n

We call upon the government to consider re-opening the sector gradually to help them operate in compliance with public health guidelines so that they can safely serve Kenyans during this pandemic,\u201d read the statement from the chamber.<\/p>\n

The chamber has taken a step in reassuring the government that it will take part in the responsibility to ensure that all measures are adhered to.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe commit to providing support to the business owners to follow health protocols to operate in a safe manner during this difficult time. This is an important sector that supports livelihoods and creates many jobs,\u201d read the statement.<\/p>\n

The Chamber has also partnered with MasterCard Foundation to ensure that Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) stay afloat through access to financial services to ensure business continuity, employment creation, sustainability and economic resurgence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are working with key development partners and agencies to support the businesses and MSMEs recovery efforts and mechanism, in this arrangement, we have a strategic partnership with Equity Bank on Sh 200 billion post-Covid 19 Financing arrangement and training,\u201d read the statement\u00a0The chamber has also cast its eyes in the future where it aims to create a competition enabling environment for business that will encourage new players in the business area and boost investments.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoving forward, as the business community together with other parties, we will address the technological disruption, changing macroeconomic fundamentals to create a business competitiveness strategy is more relevant than ever to build a more competitive business climate in the country,\u201d read the statement.<\/p>\n