The East African Community (EAC) talks for the application of the region’s Common Market protocol instruments have begun in Kigali, Rwanda. The High Level Task Force (HLTF) comprising of members from the five partner states are deliberating on annexes of the protocol.

The talks point towards the finalisation of the draft Common Market protocol that is supposed to be signed in November this year.  

Speaking at the opening of the week-long negotiations, Rwanda’s Minister for EAC Affairs, Monique Mukaruliza, noted that fast tracking and deepening of EAC integration is the only way partner states can minimise effects of the prevailing global financial crisis.

Mukaruliza said that: "through integration, EAC partner states expect to reap the benefits of the removal of barriers of trade and increase movement of investment.”

"The signing of this protocol will also lay the basis for the partner states to embark on fast tracking building blocks of the Community,” she added.

The minister also noted that since the summit had made a stand of the previous outstanding issues, it will now be easier for the HLTF to draft the annexes.

Previously, the Common Market negotiations had stalled after the HLTF failed to agree on free movement of persons, the right of establishment including access to land and permanent residence.

The April summit agreed that with regard to free movement of persons, the national identification document may facilitate the free movement of the holders, where Partner States would have accepted its use, provided it is electronically readable.

For right of establishment and residence, it was agreed that Partner States shall be committed to allow citizens from other EAC countries to access and use land and premises in regard to national laws.

On permanent residence, they agreed that there will be eligibility to get a permanent residence for any citizens who have resided in the territory of another partner state for a period exceeding five years as resident.

The objective of the Common Market is to create a single internal market that guarantees the free movement of goods, persons, labour, services and capital.

Alloys Mutabigwa ,  EAC’s  Deputy Secretary General in charge of planning and infrastructure ,observed that the meeting would consider incorporating the summit decisions. He also mentioned that the HTLF would consider scheduling removal of restrictions on the free movement of capital.

"Drafting of these annexes will provide a drive towards completion of the Common Market protocol,” he said. 

Mutabigwa also observed that Rwanda’s decision to implement the Custom’s Union next month would pave way for the Common Market.

"As new entrants of the community will shall have no problem,” he said, arguing that the benefits of the Customs Union such as a wider market and economies of scale will be consolidated and greatly enhanced when the Common Market protocol comes into force.

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