EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS ON CROSS-BORDER TRADE IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY REGION

NAIROBI, KENYA - The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), led by Rt. Hon. Speaker, Joseph Ntakirutimana, today held a stakeholders engagement session to hear first-hand the challenges facing cross-border trade in the East African Community (EAC) region. The interactive session, which took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together key industry players and representatives from various trade organizations in the community.

The session featured an open dialogue with prominent stakeholders, including the Kenya Investments Authority, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, East African Grain Council, Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance. 

The session was moderated by Honorable Kanini Kega, a member of EALA, and Mr. Stephen Analo, a trade expert from the EAC, also provided valuable insights into the matter.
During the engagement, traders candidly expressed the challenges they encounter in cross-border trade within the EAC. These challenges include significant delays at the border points, the issue of double taxation, harassment faced by traders from some member states, protectionism exhibited by certain member countries, security concerns in some member states, the existence of numerous illegal roadblocks, and the imposition of excessive tariffs on goods and services.

These challenges have hindered the growth and development of cross-border trade, limiting the potential for economic integration and cooperation within the EAC. 
Therefore, the regional authorities must take immediate action to address these issues to foster a conducive and thriving environment for cross-border trade.
 

The EALA, committed to promoting regional integration and economic development, acknowledges the importance of analyzing and resolving these challenges to enhance cross-border trade opportunities for all stakeholders. Therefore, the EALA urges the governments of member countries to prioritize the facilitation of easier movement of goods and services across borders, eliminating any unnecessary obstacles and red tape that impede trade activities.

This engagement serves as a significant step towards creating a more favorable business environment within the EAC, ensuring that traders can fully capitalize on the economic potential of the region. By addressing the concerns raised by stakeholders, the EALA aims to strengthen regional trade relations, improve economic growth, and enhance the overall welfare of East African communities.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Nicodemus Ajak Bior
Senior Public Relations Officer (SPRO)
East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA)
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255768885633/+254 729157207 (WhatsApp) 
Email: nbior@eachq.org
Web: www.eala.org