Barely a week after joining the East African Customs Union (EACCU), Rwanda yesterday officially launched the implementation of common import duties.

The development comes at a time when Rwanda is celebrating two years since ascending to the regional economic bloc.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza lauded the major players that made this possible adding that government is determined to further eliminate existing trade barriers.

"It took the original EAC countries more than 5 years of negotiations to implement the customs union; however Rwanda and Burundi have done this in less than two years making this a landmark achievement,” said Makuza.

"In a bid to maximize benefits from regional trade, some trade barriers such as road blocks have been removed while implementation of 24-hour working border posts is also slowly being established.”

The premier also explained that Rwanda has always been a part of EAC but now officially joining the bloc will further strengthen ties with the other regional countries.

Officials of Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), East African Legislative Assembly, high profile government representatives and members of the business community were part of the celebrations.

RRA Commissioner General, Mary Baine explained that Rwanda’s implementation of the EACCU is very significant as it addresses key issues of trade facilitation.

Citing reduced tariffs, she expressed optimism that this will in turn translate into reduced prices of commodities on the market thus increasing citizens’ standards of living. 

In a bid to prepare the population for this development, the tax authority boss also highlighted that members of the business community have been trained on the benefits and changes to expect.

Different initiatives such as training customs officers have also been done.

Officials noted that there is need for increased production and innovation if Rwandans are to compete better in a wider market.

During the unveiling ceremony, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of production, Jean Claude Nsengiyumva also handed over the EACCU flag and other significant documents to the premier.

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