In the bid to promote cross border trade, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), yesterday launched trade information desks in Rubavu and Goma in the DR Congo (DRC) to provide the community with trade information.

After opening of the Zambia - DRC boarder at Kasumbalesa boarder point, a COMESA high ranking official told The New Times that Rwanda and DRC will work together with the trade information desks to provide necessary information to boost trade

"These trade information desks are in line with two heads of states’ decision to cooperate in bringing peace and promote trade in two countries, these desks will focus in trade for peace in the way that COMESA believes that peace can be reached through trade,” Brian Chinguwa, COMESA director of Legal and Institutional Affairs said.

The regional bloc that brings together 19 countries of East and Southern Africa have initiated the project financed by USAID and Trademark South Africa and will be giving out free information on trade, fighting AIDS and individual rights to those who are closing the boarder.

It will also act as an advocacy and a bridge between traders of the two countries, Dr Ngoza Siwale Lwawo revealed.

"Our people will get the immediate information about trade from both countries and we shall be working together to foster business in the two countries,” Celestin Kabahizi, Western governor said.

After the opening of the trade information desks of two countries, the dignitaries witnessed the friendly match between Northern Kivu Team Virunga FC which won 2-0 against Rubavu based intecelle FC

"Our mission is to support peace initiatives, this one-stop boarder post will help to bring peace and mutual cooperation between two countries as the community will be able to get all necessary information about trade,” Emily chrunic  USAID representative in charge conflict

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