The partnership seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Customs administrations and grow prosperity in the region Nairobi, 15 December 2015 – TradeMark Africa (TMA) has today signed an initial 5 year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Customs Organization (WCO) in the implementation of key areas of mutual strategic interest around the trade facilitation agenda in East Africa.

The partnership will see the two organisations collaborate in setting up a framework for boosting international and regional trade in the EAC and implementing key trade facilitation initiatives – predominantly through the use of WCO trade facilitation tools – to help implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.
The collaboration will see both parties strive to improve border management procedures and customs clearance procedures, as well as bring in automated features such as the implementation of electronic single windows in order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of trade regulatory environment.

Speaking during the signing, TMA CEO Frank Matsaert said that the new partnership will be a great milestone in the organization’s ultimate objective of growing prosperity through trade. “This partnership will allow us to implement best practice international trade tools and instruments that will propel us in our journey towards improving the regional trade landscape, with tangible and sustainable gains for all citizens of East Africa.”
TMA works closely with EAC Institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organizations to increase trade by unlocking economic potential through increasing physical access to markets, enhancing the trade environment and improving business competitiveness.
Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya added that “the partnership signifies an important achievement and it will allow all key stakeholders involved in the international trade supply chain to improve efficiency as they carry out their mandate.” The WCO works very closely with the WTO on a number of areas including the harmonized system, customs valuation, rules of origin and trade facilitation.

Source: TradeMark Africa (TMA)

TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.