Kenyan and Tanzanian manufacturers have called for the expedited resolution of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and the review of the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET).
This was said during the trade investment forum held on Thursday, hosted by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) and Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, to discuss trade promotion between the two states.
Kenya’s exports to Tanzania declined from US$342.9 million in 2016 to US$294.9 million in 2020 while its exports to the rest of the world grew from US$5.7 billion in 2016 to 6.02 billion in 2020.
On the other hand, Tanzania’s exports to Kenya grew from US$126.2 million in 2016 to US$258.2 million in 2020, while her exports to the world grew from US$4.4 billion in 2016 to US$5.2 billion in 2020.
Speaking during the forum, the High Commissioner of Kenya to Tanzania, Dan Kazungu noted that in unity, East Africa shall prosper.
“The visit by Her Excellency the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu heralded a new dawn, in the relationship between Kenya and Tanzania. Let us take advantage of this enhanced friendship, to resolve outstanding non-trade barriers that hinder trade between the two countries. A win for our community, means prosperity for us all,” said Kazungu.
Principal Secretary, Ministry of EAC, Dr Kevit Desai, called for Partner States to embrace the Buy East Africa Build East Africa Initiative.
“Through this initiative, governments will be more encouraged, to promote their respective local content. Additionally, it is important that all stakeholders complement each other’s efforts. By working together, the public and private sectors’ relationship will also evolve, and consequently, have a bigger impact on the markets,” explained Dr Kevit.
Kenyan, Tanzanian Manufacturers hold talks to promote trade, access
CTI Chairman, Paul Makanza, appreciated the cordial, long-lasting relationship enjoyed by the two Business Membership Organizations and highlighted the potential of the East African Community (EAC).
“KAM and CTI’s long-standing relationship has seen the two BMOs work together, towards industrializing our respective countries, and East Africa. We hope to leverage on this collaboration, to grow our economies. The EAC has a huge potential to improve the livelihoods of our people. Therefore, by working together, we shall have a stronger impact, than as individual countries. Both Kenya and Tanzania, need to eliminate non-trade barriers (NTBs), and conclude the review of the EAC common external tariff (CET),” noted Makanza.
Kunyiha, appreciated the role of private sector in regional integration and called for the speedy resolution of impediments to regional trade.
“As at the year 2019, Kenya and Tanzania had GDP values of USD 63.18 billion and USD 95.5 billion respectively. Our bilateral export to GDP ratio is thus estimated at 0.01 for Kenya to Tanzania and 0.003 for Tanzania to Kenya as at the year 2019. The private sectors in the two states must, therefore, play a strategic role in regional integration, which shall in turn, enhance trade,” noted Mucai.
He further added that the EAC Partner States need to create an enabling environment, to drive industrialization in the region by doing away with regulatory overreach which continues to hinder our competitiveness.
KAM holds that Kenya should adopt the 35 percent rate of EAC CET and resolve outstanding NTBs to drive industrial growth and consequently, increase our productivity.
The Trade and Investment Forum was part of the Tanzania Trade and Investment Mission, being spearheaded by KAM.
Earlier this week, Kunyiha said it was important to address pertinent issues between Kenya and Tanzania which will not only enhance trade between the two nations but also drive the competitiveness of products and services from both countries
He added that the two countries have the capability and capacity to add value to the wide array of resources that both countries have for export markets.
Muhunya however said that achieving this is hindered every time the business community encounters impediments to trade, consequently, impacting on the benefits of trade to the entire region.
