Kenya has sealed a trade deal with the European Union that will see it continue to enjoy duty free access for its agricultural produce.

The move will save the country more than Sh100 million a week in export duties for cut flowers and horticultural produce sent into Europe.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade said all issues that had been holding up the deal were settled in Kenya’s favour.

“The Ministry… is pleased to announce that negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union were today (Tuesday) finalised and signed in Brussels, Belgium,” the statement reads.

Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, who led Kenya’s negotiation team, signed the deal on the country’s behalf.

“The successful conclusion of the negotiations will enable Kenya to continue enjoying duty free and quota free access to the European market.”

Years of talks on the new EPAs had been held up over three issues: export taxes, export subsidies and relationship between the Cotonou Agreement and EPAs. These “were all agreed upon in favour of Kenya”, the ministry says.