The Ministry of East African Community (MINEAC) has set up nine working groups to carry out a sector-by-sector evaluation in all ministries in order to ascertain the country’s strongest position while negotiating a successful East African integration.

During a meeting , on Thursday, chaired by the Minister for East Africa, Monique Mukaruliza, members of the working groups proposed recommendations to be included in the institutional framework of different ministries, to aid the coordination and implementation of EAC activities at national level.

In her address, Mukaruliza said that it is important for Rwanda to discover its position before it can interact with regional countries on issues of integration.

"For the integration to happen, there are important areas that must be prioritized. All countries have different strengths which will guide institutional integration and by surveying our institutions, the sector working groups will determine our strong positions which will negotiate key integrations,” Mukaruliza said.

"This stage is important in guiding the integration, which is expected to provide numerous social and economic benefits to East Africans practicing in different professions.”

The minister added that among other roles, the working groups will advise ministerial committees in making decisions that benefit the national position.

Documents from MINEAC reveal that the groups will meet on quarterly basis with effect from January 2011 and will be reporting to the ministerial committee through MINEAC.

The ministry also noted that although it will be offering financial support to the sector working groups, each government institution will be expected to contribute to the support of its group representatives.

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