TRADE experts have asked for fast tracking of regional integration in order to establish a competitive single regional market and investment area.Stakeholders, especially the business sector, have also expressed disgruntlement over the failure of partner states to adhere to the provisions of the common market protocol, thus hindering the free movement of goods.At a three-day regional symposium on strengthening stakeholder engagement in the EAC regional integration process in Kampala, Uganda, trade experts observed that more needs to be done to attain full integration process.Nathan Irumba, the executive director the Southern and Eastern African Trade Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI), which organised the symposium, noted that civil society is concerned that the integration process is not people centred and private sector led.Some of the critical issues to be addressed include the roles of various stakeholders, the expected results contribution and the challenges that inhibit people from benefiting from the EAC.Mohammad Moki, the assistant commissioner, economic affairs in the EAC affairs ministry, observed that a number of non-tariff barriers still exist at the border points of the different EAC partner states and have hindered the successful implementation of the Customs Union and the Common Market where the free movement of workers and goods still appears to be a dream.Bernard Mulengani, an MP in the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) ,called for the harmonisation of standards to ensure that there is acceptability.“In regard to free movement of capital, fiscal policies should be aligned with the money market mobility,” he said.Kassim Omar, a board director of the East African Business Council, called for the expedition of the harmonisation schedules and enactment of new laws by EALA.
