GICUMBI - Local leaders and business people in Kageyo Sector were yesterday urged to sensitise residents in their respective villages, to take advantage of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union and Common Market to boost their economic wellbeing.

The call was made by officials from the Ministry of the East African Community Affairs and from the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration, during a one-day workshop held in Gicumbi District.

"EAC Customs Union is designed to harmonise business transactions between EAC member states and to remove all trade barriers for goods emanating from member states,” said an official of the ministry, Grace Mbabazi.

She particularly advised importers and exporters of goods manufactured from EAC member states to advance their trade through the Common Market Protocol.

"This is done through acquisition of a certificate of origin, to enable you benefit from free customs taxes on goods manufactured within EAC member states,” Mbabazi explained.

On his part, a representative of the Directorate of Immigration and Emigration, David Rucamucibatsi, stressed that the EAC bloc offers a larger market for goods and services.

"The EAC common market brings together over 135 million residents who provide a ready market for manufactured goods within the bloc,” said Rucamucibatsi.
He cited free movement of people, goods, services and capital among the other advantages.

"The common market will in addition open the door to qualified Rwandans to compete for a wider job market within the EAC member states,” he added.

Ends