Private Sector Federation (PSF) has pleaded for more comprehensive advocacy in the removal of trade barriers that continue to hamper free movement of goods and services in the region.

Weighbridges, especially on Northern Corridor that connects Kigali to Mombasa port in Kenya, are still troubling transporters.

“This is still a big challenge,” Stephen Ruzibiza, the PSF chief executive officer, told members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Rwanda Chapter who are currently in the country for an outreach and sensitization program.

“We still have challenges on Northern Corridor where transporters spend much time on seven weighbridges that still exist. That’s why we want them removed to ease business as this will spur economic growth,” says Ruzibiza, adding that EALA members have promised to continue doing advocacy for the Rwandan business community.

Apart from the weighbridges, Rwandan traders still find it difficult to access ports, especially Mombasa. This creates more delays, making doing business uncompetitive.

On the other hand, businesspeople from the tourism and transport sectors commended the Tanzanian government for addressing some challenges along the Central Corridor. It now takes 3 to 4 days for a cargo truck to reach Kigali from Dar-es Salam.

Patricia Hajabakiga, a member of EALA, who was leading the delegation, wondered why Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) still exist in the region yet they have signed different protocols and laws have also been passed.

“Partner states must enforce these agreements; otherwise we cannot allow unfair competition. We will continue raising our voices for the removal of all barriers,” she said.

NTBs refer to restrictions that result from prohibitions, conditions, or specific market requirements that make importation or exportation of products difficult and/or costly.

Martin Ngoga, another EALA member advised business operators to utilize the presence of the East African court of justice liaison’s office in Kigali and report all the trade-related huddles.

“You should not think politically. The East African court of Justice jurisdiction on trade and investment issues can bridge the gap between law and practice,” he told the business operators who in a meeting at the PSF headquarters.

PSF chief advocacy officer, Gerard Nkusi Mukubu, said that Rwandan products cannot compete in the region since other producers still package their products in polythene bags which were banned in Rwanda. “Our products cannot compete because of poor packaging; we need a harmonized way of packaging in the region,” he said.

Source: All Africa

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