The East African Business Council in partnership with the Federation of German Industries convened trade and policy experts from East Africa in Arusha, Tanzania; to plan out a joint policy advocacy agenda to encourage business across the region.
‘Voicing barriers and proposing solutions on boosting trade, in one voice as the East African business community reinforces our advocacy efforts towards improving the business environment in the EAC,’ said Dr. Peter Mathuki, Council Executive Officer.
He urged the experts to analyze the implications of new dynamics such as the Brexit to East African businesses and craft solutions on boosting intra-EAC trade to 30%.
Mathuki called for advocacy efforts to fast track the finalization of the comprehensive review of the EAC Common External Tariff to boost industrialization and regional value chains.
The regional policy advocacy agenda aims to harness the economic potential of the EAC.
It also analyzes trade and investment barriers blocking businesses to take full advantage of the East African Customs Union and Common Market.
The experts mentioned operationalization of trade remedies committees; harmonization of customs and domestic taxes and elimination of non-tariff barriers.
They also cited adoption of One Network Area for telecommunication by all East African community partner states.