PRESS
STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EABC
MEETS CHAIR OF THE SUMMIT OF EAC HEADS OF STATE
- EABC engages HE Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State
- Chair of the Summit reiterates Partner States’ commitment to engage more closely with the private sector in the EAC regional integration journey.
Kigali,
Rwanda, 16th September 2019:- Led by EABC Chairman Mr.
Nicholas Nesbitt, the EABC Board Directors officially met HE Paul Kagame,
President of the Republic of Rwanda and Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of
State at the Office of the President in Kigali, Rwanda.
In his remarks, Mr. Nesbitt
appreciated HE President Kagame for hosting the EABC delegation and commended
the Republic of Rwanda for being ranked 2nd in Africa in the World
Bank’s ranking on Ease of Doing Business.
“Such milestones if achieved
in other Partners States will make the region more attractive for investments,”
said Mr. Nesbitt.
“Intra EAC trade is still
low at 12%, compared to the EU at 67%. The private sector desires to partner more
with governments to make the region attractive for investments, wealth and employment
creation, uplifting East Africans out of poverty,” said Mr. Nesbitt.
“The potential regional market
of 200 million consumers can only be accessed if businesses are facilitated and
NTBs eliminated,” said Mr. Nesbitt.
He further appreciated His
Excellency’s support for private sector becoming an integral player in driving the
EAC regional integration agenda and called for other EAC Heads of State to move
in tandem to push the integration agenda.
The meeting called for the
establishment of a mechanism to implement the agreed Summit directives that
have stalled.
The meeting observed the
need to review the EAC Customs Management Act to better facilitate trade and
address NTBs.
The role of public-private
dialogues was emphasized as a critical tool to address issues and restrictions
to trading across borders.
Further, the meeting
reiterated the urgent need to fast track the actualization of the AfCFTA and the
full involvement of the private sector in AfCFTA negotiations.
Among other issues raised
was the need to enforce resolutions made to liberalize EAC air space, implement
the One Network Area, and quicken the issuance of work permits.
The meeting called upon the
Summit to conclude the comprehensive review of the EAC CET.
HE Paul Kagame, President of
the Republic of Rwanda and Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State recommended
for close collaboration among the private sector in the EAC partner states to
strengthen their voice to influence the policymakers.
The Chair of the Summit of
EAC Heads of State recommended for a formalized mechanism through which the
private sector will engage the EAC Council of Ministers.
The Chair of EABC formally
invited His Excellency in his capacity as the Chair of EAC Summit to drum support
and invite other Heads of State to participate in a regional business summit
organized by the EABC scheduled to precede the Heads of State Summit in November
2019.
HE Paul Kagame welcomed the
request by the EABC to have a permanent seat during discussions of the EAC Heads
of State in recognition of their partnership role in the EAC regional
integration as enshrined in the Treaty.
HE Paul Kagame emphasized
the importance of political will to drive the integration agenda and deliver
benefits to the East African citizens and businesses.
The meeting
appreciated the role of development partners, particularly TradeMark East
Africa (TMEA) in promoting trade, increasing exports, reducing the cost
of doing business and enhancing competitiveness. In addition, the role played by GIZ
in their contribution and commitment towards their support to SMEs and EAC regional integration agenda was
appreciated.
For
more information please contact:
Hon.Peter Mathuki, Chief Executive Officer
East African Business Council (EABC)
9th Floor Mafao House | Old Moshi Road | Arusha | Tanzania
P. O. Box 2617 | Tel: +255 27 2520162 | +255 27 2520163
EABC - The Voice of the Private
Sector in East Africa
-END-
About EABC
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. Vision: Borderless
East Africa for business and investment. Mission: To promote sustainable
Private Sector-driven growth. For more information about EABC, visit www.eabc.info.
0 comments:
Post a Comment