Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA) has committed full support to the country’s integration into the East Africa Community (EAC) by speeding up border crossings, strengthening policymaking and implementing of the EAC protocol.

The commitment was made during the launch of the TMEA Rwanda programme that brought together parties attached to the enterprise.

"We will facilitate trade, promote market linkages within the region by working closely with the Government, private sector and civil society,” said TMEA’s Country Director, Mark Priestly.

TMEA is set to twofold fund contribution towards the region to £24 million (Rwf22.8 billion) in the next four years from £12 million (Rwf11.3 billion) as a part of the ‘aid effectiveness’ efforts in the country.

TMEA is financed by UK through Department For International Development (DFID) and Swedish government through SIDA.

The Minister of the East African Community Affairs ((MINEAC), Monique Mukaruliza, welcomed the partnership with TMEA, saying that the enterprise has experience in EAC issues.

"The regional issues are inadequately represented in key MDAs’ strategies, plans and budgets and support is required to enhance those institutions-so partnering TMEA is the way forward,” Mukaruliza said.

TMEA is a non-profit enterprise which promotes regional trade and economic integration in East Africa by working closely with EAC institutions, national government, business and civil society organisation.

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