EABC Vice Chairperson, Mr. Dennis Karera, hosted the EALA Members of Parliament to discuss the trade and investment climate in the EAC and the challenges therein. The aim was to support the EABC in its advocacy agenda and address trade and investment challenges in the EAC region.
Key issues presented include:
- Implementation of the EAC Common External Tariff 2022 Version
- Harmonization of Customs and Domestic Taxes
- Activation of the EAC Committee on Trade Remedies to Handle Trade Disputes
- Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers in the EAC
- Harmonization of Standards and Technical Regulations
- Review of EAC Rules of Origin, 2015
- Liberalization of Trade in Services
- Liberalization of Air Transport Services
- Telecommunication Service Sector in EAC
- EAC Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for Movement of Professionals
- Free Movement of Workers
- Fast-tracking the processes required for implementation of the AfCFTA as the EAC Bloc to ensure effective benefit from the continental agreement
- The operationalization of the Trade Remedies Committee to handle emerging trade-related issues
- Need for the EAC Local Content Policy.
- Slow implementation of Council decisions and Summit resolutions, especially regarding open skies, one area network, use of single tourist visa, and lack of implementation of mutual recognition agreements.
The Head of Delegation, Hon. Fatuma Ndangiza, pledged support to EABC and requested regular engagement with EALA on key emerging issues with evidence so that they are tabled at the parliamentary sittings. Hon. Ndangiza further requested EABC to consider presenting advocacy issues to the EALA Parliamentary session scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2024.
The EABC Vice Chairman concluded the meeting by requesting the EABC Secretariat to ensure that the MPs are frequently furnished with information regarding issues that require urgent action for their consideration.
