VENTURES AFRICA – Tanzania’s President, Jakaya Kikwete, has officially taken over from Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta as the new Chairman of East African Community (EAC). He assumed the position during the 16th East Africa Community Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kikwete, who spoke after taking over, said that there is the need to eliminate non-tariff barriers to intra-community trade. According to him, these barriers deny the EAC opportunities to unlock promising potentials that stem from regional integration. “EAC intra-trade has significantly grown and there is need to increase these investments, we need to support the small and medium enterprises to drive the growth.”
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He also reiterated the necessity of ensuring peace and stability within the region.
While handing over the chairmanship, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the importance of improved infrastructure within the bloc will enhance trade and reduce costs of production. “We have made progress and moved a good distance. But a lot remains to be done. I assure my brother, President Kikwete of my support and trust that he will take the integration agenda even further in the coming 12 months,” added President Kenyatta.
