TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) provided financial support worth US$5.5m to Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and the Ministry of East Africa Community (MINEAC) to facilitate trade and promote the country’s institutional capacity towards regional integration.

RRA received US$3.8 million while MINEAC obtained US$1.7 million.

The CEO of TMEA, Frank Matsaert, said that the funds are part of an agreement between TMEA and the government that was signed in February this year.

 "TMEA will continue to support Rwanda’s integration into EAC by reducing transport costs, speeding up border crossings, strengthening policymaking and implementing protocols, particularly the Common Market,” Matsaert said, during the signing ceremony yesterday.

Ben Kagarama, the Commissioner General of RRA, commended the support, saying that it would streamline their integration process.

"RRA looks forward to working with TMEA on several initiatives aimed at reducing cost of doing business in Rwanda and ultimately increasing trade along the key corridors in East Africa,” Kagarama said.

TradeMark East Africa is a multi-donor organisation that that works with the East African Community to promote regional trade and economic integration.

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