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Tanzania: JPM, Uhuru Win Eabc Hearts

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THE East African Business Council (EABC) has hailed initiatives by President John Magufuli and his Kenyan counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta and consequent ministerial agree-ments on the free movement of goods across borders.

The regional apex body of private sector associations and corporates said it appreciated the reconciliatory move that buried a border crisis that had loomed large between biggest regional economies.

Kenya’s decision to close her border with Tanzania over Covid-19 pandemic fear sparked a standoff, with the latter’s Regional Commis- sioners whose territories share borders with Kenya reciprocating by closing key gateways – Namanga, Holili and Horohoro in Arusha, Kili- manjaro and Tanga respectively.

But following high-level talks between Pres- ident Magufuli and Kenyatta, the two nations on Friday resolved the dispute over Covid-19 tests for truck drivers crossing their borders, facilitat- ing trade within and outside the EAC bloc.

The dispute was resolved by ministers re- sponsible for transport from the two countries at the end of their one-day meeting held recently at Namanga One-Stop Border Post (OSBP), re- sponding to orders from the two presidents.

EABC Executive Director and Chief Execu- tive Officer (CEO), Dr Peter Mathuki said here yesterday that appreciating the move, the body was as well urging for quick implementation of the outcomes of the bilateral ministerial meeting.

A key outcome of the bilateral ministerial meeting is to have truck crews being tested before com- mencement of their journeys at the point of origin using World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and be issued a 14 days Covid-19 free certificate by competent authorities that shall be mutually recognised.

“This is a commendable mea- sure as it will reduce the clearance time of cargo at the borders given that transport and logistics facilitate intra-EAC trade,” said Dr Mathuki who is a former East African Legis- lative Assembly (EABC) member.

Following the outbreak of Co- vid-19 pandemic, EAC partner states have relied on sourcing final products, intermediate input and raw materials within the region due to the disruption of the global supply chain.

The EABC urged for quick implementation of the joint com- munique of the bilateral meeting in a bid to boost intra-EAC trade and investments and reiterated its com- mitment to the EAC regional integration agenda.