Private sector urged to fund integration

 

East African Community secretary general Richard Sezibera addressing journalists at Hotel Le Chandelier in Bujumbura, Burundi November 24, 2011. Photo/FILE

In Summary
Speaking at the second East African Community secretary general’s forum on Monday, EAC Secretary General Richard Sezibera said the move will allow stakeholders to fast-track the integration process.


 By Nation Reporter
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The private sector has been challenged to finance East Africa integration.

Speaking at the second East African Community secretary general’s forum on Monday, EAC Secretary General Richard Sezibera said the move will allow stakeholders to fast-track the integration process.

“Some of the challenges we are facing include the slow progress in the implementation of commitments related to the removal of non-tariff barriers (NTBs), the poor state of infrastructure, increasing cost of working permits and excessive paperwork in processing documents,” said Dr Sezibera.

He added that partner states are, however, working together to ensure reasonable progress is achieved in all these areas.

For instance, so far, only Rwanda has ratified the EAC agreement on Double Taxation Avoidance (DTA), which is set to be implemented next year.

NEGOTIATE TREATIES

The law will be used as a benchmark to negotiate DTA treaties with non-member countries.

“We need to hold our respective countries accountable on these agreements to ensure each state is doing their part to ensure the integration process is smooth,” said Mr Sezibera.

The Kenyan government has set aside Sh40 million to be used for awareness campaigns on the importance of the integration process this year.