Take advantage of EAC opportunities – minister

Rwandans were yesterday called upon to exploit the opportunities in the East African Community integration. The call was made by the Minister of East African Affairs, Monique Mukaruliza, during the last day of the East African Community Week that began Friday last week. She urged them to look beyond their border now that the country is part of the East African Community (EAC). “Rwanda has signed protocols following stages of intergration. We also have protocols establishing a Customs Union which promotes trade among EAC partners. We are now negotiating a Monetary Union,” Mukaruliza said. She emphasized the need to create awareness of all the opportunities brought about by the EAC integration and the content of the protocols. Mukaruliza stated that there are quite a number of opportunities, especially in trade now that customs duties were removed from goods originating from EAC partner states in order to facilitate trade. “Rwanda’s customs duty rates were also higher than the rest of their counterparts before joining the EAC, but the customs tariffs have now been adjusted to that of EAC in order to facilitate trade,” the Minister said. She also noted that the country had signed the Common Market Protocol which provides for free movement of persons, goods, labour, services, capital, right of residence and establishment. The Minister observed that Rwandans will now move freely and carry out business across the whole EAC region. She urged them to interact with their counterparts within the EAC region and learn from their experiences through exchange of ideas. Mukaruliza advised them to build and promote a good image for Rwanda in all aspects as they interact with other EAC members. Ends