Thursday, 19th August 2021: – H.E. Major General Charles Karamba, Rwandan High Commissioner to the United Republic of Tanzania paid a courtesy visit to the East African Business Council Secretariat in Arusha.
In his remarks, H.E. Charles Karamba commended the EABC for being an ambitious institution set to unlock trade barriers in the EAC region. H.E. noted that current challenges to trade have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic hence the need for improved partnership with the private sector to build back better our economies.
On his part, EABC CEO, Mr. John Bosco Kalisa said that bilateral engagements are key to resolve constraints to intra-EAC trade. He elaborated inadequate infrastructure and Non-Tariff Barriers are some of the challenges hindering the growth of intra-EAC trade.
“Rwandan High Commissioner visit today, signals Government’s deep commitment to steer economic diplomacy in partnership with the East Africa private sector to improve the business environment and competitiveness of the EAC bloc, “said Mr. Kalisa.
Mr. Kalisa appreciated H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda for providing business stimulus packages for SMEs &manufacturing sectors and vaccination of over 1 million people geared to speed economic rebound and growth.
Mr. Kalisa stated that under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Mathuki, EAC Secretary General, EABC successfully launched the EAC-EABC Technical Working Group set to resolve trade hurdles.
Other regional business priorities presented to Rwandan High Commissioner include: Open Skies, Hotline at the border to report NTBs, Trade facilitation at the border and ports, African Continental Free Trade Area, Economic recovery and Stimulus package for business amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to OECD, in 2019 Tanzania exports to Rwanda hit USD. 247 million while imports stood at USD 5 million. Exports of Rwanda to Tanzania have increased at an annual growth rate of 20.8% from USD65,400 in 1996 to USD 5 million in 2019
Issued by:
Mr. John Bosco Kalisa
Executive Director/ CEO
East African Business Council (EABC)
9th Floor Mafao House | Old Moshi Road | Arusha | Tanzania
P. O. Box 2617 | Tel: +255 27 2520162
Email: director@eabc-online.com I Website: eabc.info
EABC – The Voice of the Private Sector in East Africa
About East African Business Council: The East African Business Council (EABC) is the regional apex body of private sector associations and Corporates from the 6 East African countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the private sector in the integration process of the East African Community. EABC vision is a borderless East Africa for business and investment. The primary mission is to promote sustainable private sector driven growth in the EAC.
