EAC must address the continued breach of common market agreements

The Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwaala Kadaga, has revealed that the East African Community must develop tough measures against countries that breach common market agreements.

Kadaga says this while officiating at the Corporate Breakfast Launch for the East African Procurement Forum and Business Expo at Mestil Hotel in Kampala.

The Expo, which will take place from 23rd to 26th March 2023 at Kololo Independence grounds in Kampala Uganda, is aimed at leveraging open contracting for sustainable development.

The event gathers Heads of public procurement regulatory bodies, from the East African Community (EAC) member states and other participants on an annual basis.

Kadaga noted that one of the challenges East Africa faces is the breaching of common market protocols, especially for the movement of goods and services.

“Fortunately, the event will be held in Uganda, it is in our plan that by 2025, inter-regional trade should have grown to almost 50%. This event supports our ministry’s mandate to promote regional integration and cooperation. Coming together shows commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous EAC,” she said.

Kadaga highlighted that trade among the EAC members stands at $10.17 billion; 20% of the trade is with the rest of the world.

In the same line, Kadaga explained that Uganda’s exports to members of the EAC are valued at over $4 billion. This makes the EAC member states Uganda’s largest trading partners.

The Expo, Kadaga said, will gather entrepreneurs from the East African Community for business growth.

She added that the Expo also presents an opportunity for several investors to showcase their businesses and tap into the available opportunities.

“This event is significant because it will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across the region to share ideas, build relationships, and explore new opportunities for growth and development,” she noted.