Kenya and Uganda roll back the walls to commerce.”
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Kenya and Uganda have agreed to eliminate all tariff and non-tariff barriers hindering trade between the two countries, in line with the East African Community (EAC) treaty and protocols. In a joint communique issued in Mbale, Uganda, on Saturday, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and his Ugandan counterpart, General Wilson Mbasu, pledged to clear truck congestion at key cross-border points, including Malaba, Busia, Suam, and Lwakhakha, to ensure the smooth flow of goods, services, and people.
Question: How do you think these measures will impact trade efficiency and economic growth in our region over the next year?
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MUSEKERA John,Rwanda,SRO-EA , saw this over a couple of days ago and its news that is positively welcomed by the two states. My interaction with trade issues over the last couple of years, makes it clear that one of the greatest hindrances to trade among countries is Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), more than tariffs and they are so nuanced to the point that you will always have countries negotiating on how to reduce them. With regard to truck congestion at the border, there have been notorious traffic jams at the Malaba border, because of the long-waiting process to screen the trucks among other border processes. For the two countries to affirm their commitment in working together, it means there will be improved cooperation and coordination which will hopefully significantly enhance efficiency and facilitate trade.
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This reduces the time-lag and delivery process for both countries, and I believe this can steer more trade collaborations across various services and products all factors kept constant.
