On August 19th , 2021 the Rwanda High Commissioner Major General Charles Karamba visited John Bosco Kalisa, Executive Director of the East African Business Council in Arusha Tanzania and exchanged views on East African Community business and Investment opportunities and what is required to address challenges being encountered by Rwandan business community.

The High Commissioner Maj. Gen. Charles Karamba commended the East African Business Council for being an ambitious institution set to unlock trade barriers in the East African Community region.

The High Commissioner noted that current challenges to trade have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic hence the need for improved partnership with the private sector to build back better our economies.

In his remarks, EABC CEO Mr. John Bosco Kalisa said that bilateral engagements are key to resolve constraints to intra-EAC trade.

He elaborated inadequate infrastructure and Non-Tariff Barriers as some of the challenges hindering the growth of intra-EAC trade.

“Rwandan High Commissioner visit today, signals Government’s deep commitment to steer economic diplomacy in partnership with the East Africa private sector to improve the business environment and competitiveness of the EAC bloc, “said Mr. Kalisa.
Mr. Kalisa stated that under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, EAC Secretary General, EABC successfully launched the EAC-EABC Technical Working Group set to resolve trade hurdles.

Other regional business priorities presented to Rwandan High Commissioner include:
White heavy check mark Open skies, White heavy check mark Hotline at the border to report NTBs, White heavy check mark Trade facilitation at the border and port. White heavy check mark African Continental Free Trade Area, White heavy check mark Economic recovery and stimulus package for businesses