EASTERN PROVINCE

KIREHE - Traders on the Rwanda-Tanzania border at Rusumo have complained over the business climate on the Tanzanian side.The complaints, over a wide range of issues, were raised after Members of the East African Legislative Assembly-on Communication Trade and Investment committee visited the area to assess the state of business.

Led by Rwandan legislature Catherine Kemura, the law makers and other local leaders from both countries toured both sides of the border to establish ways of fostering bilateral trade among the East African Community member states.

The officials specifically observed issues to do with customer care services and the state of warehouses.

Speaking at a meeting later convened by the MPs, Rwandan traders pointed out delays in opening, multiple check points and corrupt traffic police among the challenges they face while transacting business on the Tanzanian side.

While they start business late on the Tanzanian side, they close early, the traders complained and there is no computerised system.

"Everything is handled manually, which delays and promotes corruption on the Tanzanian side,” one trader added.

In Rwanda, the traders also complained of paying taxes for small commodities like 25 Kilograms of rice and lack of parking space. They also said there is inadequate information regarding taxable goods and those which are exempted from taxes under the recently launched customs union.

The officials from both Tanzania and Rwanda assured residents that they would address the problems.

On taxation, the officials explained that rice imported into the country will continue to be taxed for the next two years, as Rwanda assesses the progress of the customs union.

Rice is the main food crop Rwanda imports from Tanzania. Also present were legislatures; Patricia Hajabakiga, Valérie Nyirahabineza and Dr. James Ndahiro.

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