Expectations high as EAC national policy is approved

The recently approved National Policy on EAC Integration will streamline the management of the integration process and ensure that the EAC integration goes hand in hand with the country’s development roadmap.

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

The recently approved National Policy on EAC Integration will streamline the management of the integration process and ensure that the EAC integration goes hand in hand with the country’s development roadmap.As articulated in Rwanda’s long-term development programme, Vision 2020, the policy is part of the sixth pillar which focuses on regional and international economic integration.It ensures an open, liberal trade regime, minimising barriers to trade as well as implementing policies to encourage foreign direct investment, adopting policies to promote competitive enterprises, exports and entrepreneurship, economic zones for ICT-based production in trade and commerce.The national policy is seen as significant instrument that has come at the most needed time, when Rwandans are trying to venture into exploiting the regional market something that would amplify the country’s benefit in the integration process.Monique Mukaruliza, the Minister of EAC Affairs, believes it was prudent for Rwandans to have a driven policy that would help them realise and benefit from the integration process."This policy will enhance the way we implement our cooperation agreement with EAC partner states. For Rwandans to benefit from the integration they need to first understand the entire of EAC, opportunities, obligations and others that’s why we initiated this