PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EAC Region Must Produce What it Consumes and Consume What
it Produces
·
Local Content takes
Stage on 2nd East African Manufacturing Business Summit
Kigali, Rwanda: May
24, 2017 The 2nd
East African Manufacturing Business Summit has attracted over 300 top executives
in the manufacturing business sector, high-ranking policy and decision makers,
as well as leading financial institutions from Africa and beyond.
Local content is prominent
during the opening of the 2nd East African Manufacturing Business
Summit.
“It’s high time the EAC
region formulate the Regional Local Content Policy with aim of boosting
domestic value-added in the region.” said Ms. Lilian Awinja, EABC CEO.
Speaking during her welcoming
remarks,
Ms. Lilian Awinja, EABC CEO stated that a regional
local content Policy will require firms to use at least a specified minimum
amount of local content such as labour, goods and services into their
production or services. The same policy
will guide EAC Partner States in prioritizing the use of public and private
procurement in creating demand for locally-manufactured products as well as
promoting technology-based business start-ups.
Mr. Ali Mfuruku, Chairman & CEO, Infotech
Investment, Group Ltd, Dr Dennis Karere Vice
Chairman EABC, Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi Secretary General UNCTAD, Hon. Minister
Francois Kanimba Minister of Trade Industcturies, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the
EAC Secretary General; as well as line Ministers from all EAC Partner States
are among the high level dignitaries and top executives attending the summit to deliberate on the critical steps needed to leverage higher
levels of investment in the manufacturing sector in East Africa. Hon. Anastase Murekezi , Prime Minister of Rwanda
graced the official opening ceremony of the Summit
and exhibition.
“A regional local content Policy will guide
EAC Partner States to mainstreaming local sourcing of goods and services at
their national levels as well as promotion of the consumption of local goods
and services.” said Ms. Lilian Awinja.
The 2nd East African Manufacturing Business
Summit provides stage for deeper discussion on local content tomorrow during
the main session on “Taking Advantage of
the Regional Infrastructural Projects The Role of the EAC Governments in
Promoting Local Content with a focus on Iron, Steel, Mining and Construction
Materials” scheduled on Wednesday, 24th May, 2017.
-END-
Notes
to Editors
The 2nd East African Manufacturing Business
Summit (2EAMBS) co-organized by the East African Business Council (EABC) and
the East African Community (EAC) is scheduled as a three day event, to take
place from 23rd -25th May 2017 at Serena Hotel in Kigali,
Rwanda.
The 2EAMBS is co-hosted by the Rwanda
Association of Manufacturers (RAM) and the Rwandan Ministry of Trade Industry
& EAC Affairs and is also strongly supported by all national Manufacturers'
Associations from the EAC partner States.
The East African Business Council (EABC) is the apex body of
business associations of the Private Sector and Corporates from the 5 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. For more information about
EABC, visit its website at www.eabc.info.
For
more information please contact:
Ms. Lilian Awinja – Chief Executive Officer
The
East African Business Council (EABC) - The
Voice of Private Sector in East Africa
P.
O. Box 2617 | Plot No. 01 | Olorien House | Perfect Printers Street |
Arusha | Tanzania
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