Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) is training opinion leaders on the benefits of harmonizing the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union. A statement from RRA, says the trained group will help in disseminating similar information to the entire community.

With a customs union, participants attending a one-day training at Musanze District in Northern Province were told that the EAC partner states have a common external tariff, harmonized customs legislation and that internal tariffs will be eliminated.

Upon implementation, RRA told participants that Rwanda will eliminate internal tariffs on goods from the EAC partner states.

Participants were however concerned that abolishing tariffs would make weak industries in Rwanda run out of business. They also feared that the country will lose customs duties on imported goods.

RRA staff however allayed the fears saying domestic taxes will compensate for the loss.

RRA also told the leaders that through exchange of information from the EAC states, the community will forge a way out and curb corruption at all levels.

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