Thursday, 18th May 2023, Arusha, Tanzania: – The Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) to Tanzania and accredited to the East African Community, Michael A. Battle, Sr., paid a courtesy visit to the East African Business Council (EABC). During the visit, he met with the Chief Executive Officer of EABC, Mr. John Bosco Kalisa and explored areas of partnership aimed at hastening the EAC integration agenda and strengthening East Africa-USA trade and investment ties.

In his remarks, Mr. John Bosco Kalisa, the Chief Executive Officer of EABC, stated, “The EAC treaty is people-centered and market-driven, and EABC is at the forefront of championing advocacy for the full implementation of the Common Market and Customs Union protocols.”

Mr. Kalisa further emphasized that the acceleration of the Common Market is crucial for the achievement of the Monetary Union. He added, “The EAC bloc is open for business, and there is political goodwill from the EAC Heads of State to improve the trade and investment climate in the region.”

The admission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded the EAC market to USD 305.3 billion and a population of 283.7 million. Mr. Kalisa also mentioned that the EAC has conducted a verification mission to assess the Federal Republic of Somalia’s readiness to join the Community.

He stated that EABC is committed to promoting trade for peace programs in the region to ease doing business.

Mr. Kalisa highlighted that EABC collaborates with USAID’s Feed the Future project through TradeMark Africa, Corporate Council on Africa, AmCham on the US East Africa Trade and Investment Forum, and the upcoming U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2023 in Botswana.

Ambassador Michael A. Battle expressed his commitment to promoting the growth of the private sector and sustainable economic development in the EAC region. The USA is committed to promote blue economy and has invested more than USD. 40million in Zanzibar

Other areas discussed during the visit included strengthening partnerships with US Alumni and AmCham, tax harmonization, women, youth, and SMEs in trade. Additionally, EABC welcomed USA investors to the following upcoming  events: Africa Waste is Wealth Conference in Nairobi, The 14th African Union Private Sector Forum 2023 in Nairobi, and the East African Business and Investment Summit in Kampala.

Published On: May 18th, 2023 / Categories: Highlights, News, Private Dialogue News /