The umbrella organization of the private sector of the East African Community (EAC) on Tuesday called for the elimination of non-tariff barriers within the economic bloc in order to boost intra-regional trade.

Nicholas Nesbitt, chairman of East African Business Council (EABC) told journalists in Nairobi that the six-member trading bloc has achieved many milestones to facilitate trade.

“There are still several challenges to be addressed, including reduction of non-tariff barriers, protectionist tendencies by nations that are hindering the expansion of intra-EAC trade,” Nesbitt said.

The EABC said that it is committed to advocacy that is aimed at making east Africa a leading trade and investment destination within Africa.

“As the voice of the private sector in East Africa, we are committed to driving the integration process through high-level public-private dialogue engagement and platforms,” he added.

Nesbitt added that cross-border trade could be further enhanced by lowering of the cost of air travel among the member states.