Diplomats to support Rwandans doing business in EAC

RWANDAN diplomats from EAC member states have been given the responsibility to help Rwandan traders do business within the East African Community. Rwandan traders have complained of trade barriers in the region including corruption and weighbridges along the transit routes.Though the Customs Union and Common Market protocols were signed, it has always been a challenge to implement them thus derailing the integration process.While speaking at the training of diplomats in Kigali, EAC minister Monique Mukaruliza, said that Rwandans living in EAC member countries need adequate information to help them operate in a favorable environment.“Rwandans working and living in different EAC countries lack information on what the EAC provides for. You should be there to avail this information to enable them freely do business,” Mukaruliza said.She asked the diplomats to facilitate and strengthen bilateral arrangements between Rwanda and other member states.The diplomats who underwent the training will be handling EAC Desks in Rwandan embassies within the region and availing people vital information as well as helping Rwandans who would wish to start up businesses in the member states.They will also be in charge of monitoring the implementation of protocols in partner states.Ephraim Murenzi, a Rwanda’s diplomat in Kenya, said that MINEAC should be well represented at the different countries within the East African region.Murenzi called upon fellow diplomats to understand the role of the ministry in order to effectively represent its aspirations. Other issues discussed during the meeting, included common market, council decisions and other bilateral engagements.A concern raised and discussed was the state of corruption within member states.