EABC in collaboration with the Federal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Burundi (CFCIB) successfully organized the EABC- CFCIB CEO Round Table Breakfast Meeting on 14^th March 2019 at Roca Golf Hotel in Bujumbura.  CEOs in Burundi turn out in large numbers at the EABC CFCIB CEO Round Table meeting in Bujumbura and engaged   EABC CEO Hon. Peter Mathuki on trade and investment issues affecting their company as they do business across EAC borders.

The Chief Guest at the meeting was the EAC Secretary General represented by  Alhaji Rashid Kibowa,  EAC Director of  Trade.

In his remarks, he underscored that the treaty of EAC is People-centred and private sector-led, through the treaty the EAC is tasked to ensure  Private Sector thrives in the region. He urged that Burundi should embark on a competitive business environment to invest & export to the other EAC Partners States and increase national savings. He further highlighted that at the regional level, necessary policy infrastructure to support the Private Sector has been put in place namely the EAC Customs Union, Common Market Protocol, and Monetary Union. In his remarks  Mr. Audace Ndayizeye, EABC Vice-Chair highlighted the benefits and opportunities of EAC integration. Additionally, he emphasized the need to enhance the transport infrastructure.

Among key issues discussed at the round table include:

• The need to distill challenges related to the implementation of the agreed EAC protocols and commitments  and issues such as access to finance, free movement of labor and Non-Tariff Barriers
• Enhancement of productive capacities of the EAC Partner States
• Improvement of the business operating environment
• Regional Common Good   
• the EAC Private sector development strategy.

EABC extends appreciation to EABC Vice Chair Mr. Audace Ndayizeye for highlighting the benefits and opportunities of EAC integration. Much appreciation to EABC Past Chair and Board Directors present and  EABC National Focal Point CFCIB for support and co-organising the meeting.