TradeMark East Africa launches web portal to boost regional business, interaction

Guests experiencing the new portal launched by TradeMark East Africa on September 29, 2014. PHOTO | COURTESY 

In Summary

• The portal contains information on trade and integration in East African countries and useful schedules such as ship waiting time, vessel turnaround time and cargo dwell time.
• TMEA has also partnered with Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) to open a single window system.

By BEATRICE OBWOCHA
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TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) has launched a web portal that will enable the business community in the region to access crucial information online.

The portal contains information on trade and integration in East African countries and useful schedules, such as ship waiting time, vessel turnaround time and cargo dwell time.

TMEA Chief Executive Officer Frank Matsaert said the portal will enhance access to information to East Africa citizens.

“For the last four years that we have been in operation, a lot has been achieved. Various projects and measures have been undertaken to improve and enhance trade in (the) East Africa region. We have documented some of the best practices in form of case studies, which we have shared on our new website,” said Mr Matsaert.

TMEA has also partnered with the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) to open a single window system that will enable users within the East Africa Community access import and export documents.

Speaking at the same function, Karin Anderson, the chairman of the donors Programme Investment Committee, lauded TMEA for creating physical access to markets, enhancing the trade environment and improving business competitiveness.

“TMEA has achieved great milestones in very few years from automating import and export clearing systems, using single windows to facilitate the transit of goods through East Africa, improving the efficiency of critical government systems relevant to trade, or supporting the upgrading of ports,” said Ms Anderson.