Eliminate non-tariff barriers for East Africa to benefit from AfCFTA — Minister Mbadi
According to Mbadi, trade within the EAC partner states has stagnated at 20% compared to 46% for trade with the Southern Africa Development Corporation (SADC) and 65% for the European Union.
Uganda’s trade State minister Wilson Mbasu Mbadi during the celebrations to mark Uganda Day at the ongoing 25th EAC Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSMEs) trade fair at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya.
NAIROBI - Uganda’s trade State minister Wilson Mbasu Mbadi has called for the elimination of non-tariff barriers among the eight East African Community states for trade to flourish.
Mbadi made the remarks during the celebrations to mark Uganda Day at the ongoing 25th EAC Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSMEs) trade fair at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Kenya.
According to Mbadi, trade within the EAC partner states has stagnated at 20% compared to 46% for trade with the Southern Africa Development Corporation (SADC) and 65% for the European Union.
"If we cannot promote trade among ourselves, how can we benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA). Let us focus on the commitments stipulated in the East African Treaty, especially Article 7 (c), which calls for the establishment of an export-led economy in which there shall be free movement of goods, persons, labour, services, capital, information, and technology,” Mbadi said.
On the same occasion, EAC secretary general Veronica Nduva called for efforts to streamline and strengthen the environment in which the MSMEs can thrive.
Principal secretary for the State Department of MSME Development in Kenya, Susan Auma Mangeni, called for renewed efforts for EAC MSMES to enter the global market.
This year’s EAC MESME expo attracted 305 Ugandan exhibitors who showcased a variety of products ranging from agricultural, dairy, art and crafts, textile, and leather, among others.
Paul Ainebyona from Pearl of Africa Cheese in Kyankwanzi district said the Nairobi Expo was a good platform to network with potential buyers from EAC Partner States and a good exposure for their company.
"I have sold most of the cheese I came with, and I have engaged with potential customers who have made orders from us," Ainebyona said.
Organised under the theme: 25 years of EAC Integration; Advancing Innovations and Regional Value Chains for Competitive MSMEs Towards Sustainable Development, this year's Expo was attended by over 3,000 exhibitors from across the EAC.