WT/TPR/M/384  
8 May 2019  
(19-3136) Page: 1/53 
Trade Policy Review Body   
20 and 22 March 2019  
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY (EAC)  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr Eloi Laourou (Benin)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT B Y THE SPOKESPERSON O F THE EAC MEMBER COU NTRIES  ....... 4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  7 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  10 
5  REPLIES BY THE SP OKESPERSON OF THE EA C MEMBER COUNTRIES A ND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  37 
6  CONCLUDING REMARK S BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  50 
7  ELECTION OF A NEW  CHAIRPERSON  OF THE TPRB  ................................ .....................  52 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by the EAC  Member countries  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 384/Add.1  and will be 
available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The third joint Review of East African Community (EAC) Member countries was held  on 20 and 
22 March 2019. The  Chairperson, H.E.  Mr Eloi Laourou (Benin), welcomed the delegations of the five 
EAC Member countries headed by:  H.E. Mr. Jean Marie NIYOKINDI, Minister of Trade, Industry and 
Tourism, for Burundi; Dr. Chris KIPTOO, Principal S ecretary, State Department of Trade, for Kenya;  
H.E. Ms. Soraya M. HAKUZIYAREMYE, Minister of Trade and Industry, for Rwanda; Dr. Edwin Paul 
MHEDE, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Trade, for Tanzania;  and 
H.E. Ms. Amelia Anne KYAMBADDE , Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, for Uganda.  The 
Chairperson also welcomed the delegation of the EAC Secretariat headed by Mr. Kenneth 
BAGAMUHUNDA, Director General (Customs and Trade) ; and the discussant, H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba 
MOLOKOMME  (Botswana) . The EAC Member countries advised that H.E. Ms. Soraya 
M. HAKUZIYAREMYE, Minister of Trade and Industry of Rwanda, would  act as the spokesperson in 
her current capacity of Chair of the Council of Ministers of EAC . 
1.2.  The Chairperson reminded Members that the EAC Secretariat, the United Nations Industrial 
Development Organization and South Sudan were participating as observers in this TPR.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of trade policy reviews and the main elements of 
procedures for the m eeting. The report by the EAC Member countries  is contained in document 
WT/TPR/G/38 4 and that of the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/38 4. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: Iceland; 
Canada; Singapore;  United States; China; Ukraine; Colombia; Argentina; Brazil; European Union; 
Japan; Australia; and Thailand . The following delegations submitted written questions after the 
deadline: Indonesia;  Korea, Rep. of ; and Turkey . 
1.5.  At the time of the previous Trade Policy Review of the five EAC Member countries in 2012, 
Members had praised them on their efforts towards the full implementation of their customs union. 
They had also been praised for their active engagement in the WTO. On the other hand, 
notwithstanding their noticeable efforts, Members had noted with concern that the smooth 
functioning of the EAC customs union, in particular the free movement of goods and services, had 
continued to be constrained by poor infrastructure, non -harmonized technical regulations and SPS 
measures, and cumbersome administrative procedures. EAC Member countries had been  encouraged 
to undertake necessary reforms to unlock trade opportunities and pro ductivity growth within the 
region.  
1.6.  Overlapping membership in regional trade agreements (RTAs) by EAC Member  countries  had 
also been highlighted as a serious challenge. Members had questioned the efficiency of their trade 
policies in the absence of a harm onized approach. EAC Member  countries  had also been urged to 
undertake appropriate steps to comply with their various WTO commitments, including notifications, 
tariff bindings, and protection of intellectual property rights; and to adopt business -friendly 
measures to further diversify their economies.  
1.7.  Turning to the current Review, as indicated in the Secretariat 's report, EAC  Member countries ' 
GDP grew at relatively high annual rates. With a few exceptions, all recorded annual GDP growth 
rates exceeding 5%  during most years of the review period. Increased public investment in transport 
and energy infrastructures, combined with a good performance in agriculture and services, were the 
main determinant s of economic growth. The sustained performance in the regi on led to a significant 
improvement in key social indicators in most EAC Member countries, in Rwanda in particular; and 
Kenya acquired the status of lower -middle -income country, as per the World Bank's classification.  
1.8.  In general, trade indicators were mod erate. The ratio of trade in goods and services (including 
intra-regional trade) to GDP averaged 50% during the review period. Intra -EAC merchandise trade 
remained low at 10% of total trade during the same period, reflecting, inter alia , narrow -based 
produ ction systems dominated by a few products, and the magnitude of non -tariff barriers within 
the region.  
1.9.  As was the case during the previous Review, overlapping membership in RTAs continue d to 
challenge the implementation of effective trade policies in the EAC. The tripartite agreement, aimed 
at harmonizing policies between the EAC, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  (COMESA), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), was concluded in 2015 but 
it was not yet fully implemented. Cust oms tariffs, including concession schemes, were substantially 
harmonized within the EAC.  
1.10.   On other trade policy topics, while significant progress was made on the harmonization of 
customs procedures, national customs administrations continue d to use differ ent computer systems. 
Efforts were ongoing on the harmonization of SPS and TBT issues, but gaps remained concerning a 
more conducive trade and business framework. Sectoral policies were not harmonized. However, as 
pointed out in the Secretariat 's report, the EAC was envisioning regional programmes on agriculture 
and services.  
1.11.   Finally, issues of interest to Members, as raised in their advance written questions, include d: 
the status of  the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, at both national and regional 
levels; plans to harmonize and streamline customs procedures within the EAC; administration of the 
Common External Tariff and other duties and charges at the regional level; and the fulfilment by 
EAC Member countries of their notification obli gations and compliance with their tariff bindings at 
the WTO.  
1.12.   Members also showed interest in, inter alia , negotiations and membership of RTAs; steps 
taken by EAC Member countries during the review period to harmonize macroeconomic issues; 
reforms regardi ng participation by women in the economy, the modernization of the financial sector, 
and poverty alleviation; the legal framework for foreign direct investments; the implementation of 
effective regulatory frameworks on SPS and TBT; the protection of intell ectual property rights, and 
membership of relevant international frameworks; and sectoral issues on, inter alia , agriculture and 
services.  
1.13.   This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of system ic importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson was looking  
forward to a productive exchange of views.  
  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE SPOKESPERSON  OF THE EAC MEMBER COUNTRIES 
(H.E. MS. SORAYA M.  HAKUZIYAREMYE ) 
2.1.  It is a great honour and privilege for me to deliver this statement on behalf of the East African 
Community Partner States (EAC) consisting of following member States:  
• The Republic of Burundi;  
• The Republic of Kenya;  
• The Republic of Rwanda;   
• The Republic of  Uganda; and  
• The United Republic of Tanzania . 
2.2.  I bring to your attention that though the Republic of South Sudan is a Member of the EAC since 
2016, it is presently not part of this Trade Policy Review as its WTO accession process is still ongoing.  
2.3.  At the on set, I would like to welcome all delegates present here this week for the third joint  
Trade Policy Review of the East African Community Partner States. I wish to thank the Chairperson 
for his opening remarks. I further wish to thank H.E. Dr. Athalia Lesiba  Molokomme, Ambassador 
and Permanent Representative of Botswana, for agreeing to be the discussant for this third joint 
Trade Policy Review of EAC  Partner States . 
2.4.  Let me also extend our gratitude to the WTO Secretariat for its assistance to the EAC Secretariat 
and Partner States in preparing this Review. Further, I would like to thank all WTO Members that 
showed an interest in this Review and for the questions posed  to us in advance. We have 
endeavoured to answer all the questions as per the timeframes in the procedural guidelines.  
2.5.  EAC Partner States are now undertaking the third joint  Trade Policy Review, once again, as a 
Customs Union and a Common Market. We are of  the view that the transparency exercise that the 
trade policy review provides is of great value to all of us. We therefore re -affirm our commitment to 
submitting our trading regimes for review within the context of our obligations under the WTO. This 
comm itment is consistent with the rights and objectives of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism 
(TPRM) as provided for in Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO.  
2.6.  I wish to remind Members that the five countries presently being reviewed have a to tal land 
area of 1.7 million square kilometres, a combined population of 168 million people and a combined 
GDP of US D 160 billion. Guided by the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC which came into force 
in July 2000, the EAC Partner States are pursuing  market -oriented economic policies whose overall 
vision is to create wealth, raise standards of living of their people and enhance the international 
competitiveness of the region through increased production, trade and investment.  
2.7.  Since  the second joint Trade Policy Review in 2012, the membership of the EAC has grown with 
South Sudan joining the Community in September 2016.  
2.8.  The EAC has so far made impressive achievements in adhering to the broader integration 
framework, comprising of the four stages which  are outlined in the Treaty, beginning with a customs 
union and a common market, a monetary union and ultimately a political federation.  
2.9.  Between 2012 and 2017, intra -regional trade between the EAC Partner States registered a 
growth of 17.1 %. This growth represents about 19.4 % of the region 's share in total trade with the 
rest of the world. It is clear that there is still a lot of potential to develop the internal market in the 
region and collectively exploit external market opportunities.  
2.10.   Towards this end , the EAC countries have put in place a number of strategic interventions, to 
further consolidate the goals of the Customs Union and to address the challenges experienced in its 
implementation. The interventions include the development of a new Standard Ga uge Railway line 
whose objective is to facilitate faster clearance and improvement in cargo movement along the two 
corridors (Northern and Central) and the implementation of the Single Customs Territory  (SCT) . The 
Single Customs Territory is a major milest one towards the attainment of a fully -fledged Customs 
Union due to the following:  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  • The time and cost of transporting goods from the port of Dar es Salaam to Bujumbura and 
Kigali has reduced from 21 to 5 days, and from the port of Mombasa to Kampala has redu ced 
from 18 days to 4 days; the cost has also reduced from USD 3,100 to USD 1,025;  
• Partner States Customs systems have been interconnected and information sharing has 
improved; multiple entries and documents ha ve been replaced by use of a single declarati on; 
and 
• Customs systems in the region have been upgraded to facilitate clearance of cargo under SCT 
for intra -trade, imports and exports regimes.  
2.11.   To consolidate and sustain the gains from regional integration, there are concerted efforts 
among the Partner  States to remove administrative and infrastructure related barriers to trade. This 
includes operationalization of One Stop Border Posts, of which ten out of twelve are now fully 
operational and have facilitated economic operators whilst also translating i nto minimal time lost 
and lower transaction costs. A number of other border reforms are ongoing through the regulatory 
authorities aimed at ensuring that border operations are well coordinated and work seamlessly for 
the purposes of enhancing trade facilit ation.  
2.12.   The resolve for elimination of trade related impediments has been further strengthened 
through the enactment of the EAC  Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)  Act in 2017 and the implementation 
regulations. In addition, we have now put in place the Competition Authority and also strengthened 
measures for the implementation of the Standardization Act so as to address challenges arising from 
non-recognition of other partner States ' standards and the different regulatory and institutional 
requirements that have not  been harmonized across the region. These efforts promote the region 's 
business environment and competitiveness by ensuring that commitments are not breached by new 
NTBs.  
2.13.   The EAC Partner States are also in the process of undertaking a comprehensive review of the 
Common External Tariff and the EAC Customs Management Act 2004 whose objective is in three 
parts: 
• Align the tariff structure and rates to respond to the global changes of trade and current 
economic environment in EAC;  
• Eliminate the use of stays of application of EAC Common External Tariff ( CET) that destabilize 
the harmonized EAC CET; and 
• Review the sensitive list and its applicable rates taking into consideration the supply capacity 
within the region . 
2.14.   The EAC Partner States have also articulated a shared objective of investment policies in order 
to make the region attractive to investors. At the regional level , a model investment treaty has been 
adopted that can be the basis for negotiating investment treaties with third Parties.  
2.15.   The ongoing policy interventions have witnessed greater confidence emerging from key 
stakeholders such as the economic operators in the region who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the 
integration efforts.  
2.16.   The EAC partner States are implementing the Common Market Protocol wh ich came into force 
on 1st July 2010. The Protocol seeks to improve trade in goods, promote free movement of factors 
of production and services, and guarantees right of establishment and residence.  
2.17.   Notable progress has been made in building the regional ag enda for trade in services. Partner 
States have agreed to liberalize seven out of twelve services sectors and will start negotiations on 
liberalization of the five remaining sectors in due course. A further step has been reached for 
professional services, a key sub -sector within the initial liberali zation. Mutual Recognition 
Agreements (MRAs) covering recognition of academic and professional qualifications have been 
agreed for accountants, architects, engineers and veterinarians. Two additional MRAs (advoca tes 
and land surveyors) are awaiting signature, while negotiations for pharmacists are underway. The WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  EAC is now in the process of developing an EAC multi -sector Monitoring System for the removal of 
Restrictions to Trade in Services.  
2.18.   On regional trade agreements, the partner States have successfully completed negotiations 
on phase I on goods with COMESA and SADC under the Tripartite Free Trade Area and with all the 
African countries under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreeme nt (AfCFTA). Both 
agreements are presently awaiting implementation pending ratification by the required number of 
Member s and Partner States.  
2.19.   All the EAC Partner States are committed to the multilateral trading system. With regard to 
implementation of the  WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, all the partner States have notified 
category A measures, and prepared a regional plan for implementation of category B and C 
measures. The EAC is also in the process of operationalizing its trade remedies regime and work  to 
improve the institutional mechanisms and institutional infrastructure is ongoing.  
2.20.   The EAC is at an advanced level of integration and presents tremendous trade and business 
opportunities. Over the review period, EAC Partner States have made significant progress in 
improving the business and investment environment. Investment opportunities are available in the 
service sector such as in ICT, finance, insurance, tourism, renewable energy, infrastructure (railway, 
roads and ports), as well as in agro -process ing and mining.  
2.21.   I once again wish to thank Members of the WTO for the interest shown in the EAC and 
specifically for the large number of questions received. Fifteen countries submitted questions in 
advance. We will endeavour to provide answers to additiona l questions during this week and provide 
answers to the remaining questions within the prescribed period of one month as provided by the 
rules of procedure. We look forward to a fruitful exchange in this regard.  
2.22.   With these remarks, we welcome Members of the WTO to our third joint Trade Policy Review.  
I thank you  all for your attention.  
  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  I would like to add my welcome to the distinguished Ministers and delegations of the Member 
States of the East African Community led by H.E. M s Soraya HAKUZIYAREMYE, Minister of Trade and 
Industry of Rwanda. It is my pleasure and honour to have been appointed discussant for the third 
joint Trade Policy Review of the EAC countries.  
3.2.  I thank the EAC Members and the WTO Secretariat for their compre hensive reports. My 
gratitude especially  goes to the Secretariat for their facilitation  of my role  and valuable support  in 
this regard . 
3.3.  As we are all aware, the primary objective of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism is to promote 
transparency and predictability in the trade policies and practices of the Member States, thus 
contributing to the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system. It is hoped that the debates 
and feedback from the Member States will be of particular use to the EAC c ountries in their future 
development strategies.  
3.4.  It should be pointed out that although  the East African Community (EAC) consists of Burundi, 
Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan, South Sudan is not yet a WTO Member, and 
has therefore not been covered in the TPR reports  on this occasion .  
3.5.  However , I would like to recogni ze South Sudan 's resolve through challenging times, and their 
persistent demonstration of trust in trade as a tool to promote peace and development. A young 
democracy established  only in 2011, South Sudan has already acceded to the EAC and has applied 
to become a WTO Member. This is truly commendable and encouraging especially at this time when 
multilateralism is facing challenges.  
3.6.  To return to the business at hand, it is pleasin g to learn that the EAC countries ' integration 
agenda remains steadfast and anchored on the establishment of a Customs Union, a Common 
Market, a Monetary Union, and ultimately a political federation of the East African States. The 
continuing reforms by the  EAC countries to reali ze these broader objectives is commendable and 
demonstrates a commitment by the Community to play a leading role in the African continent 's 
integration agenda.  
Major economic developments  
3.7.  We learn from the Secretariat 's report that the EAC countries ' economic performance was 
relatively strong during the review period, with most of the economies recording annual real GDP 
growth rates in excess of 5% over the period 2011 –2017. This is despite the continued sluggish and 
uneven global ec onomic recovery.  
3.8.  Most notably, Kenya 's good economic performance helped it to acquire the status of a lower -
middle -income country in 2014, according to the World Bank 's classification.  
3.9.  While the economy of Burundi was severely affected by the political d evelopments since 2015, 
there appear to have been noticeable signs of recovery in 2016 and 2017  for which we commend 
them.  
3.10.   The EAC countries continue to work towards macroeconomic convergence, through the 
ongoing reform efforts aimed at establishing a mon etary union by 2024. However, we also learn 
from the Secretariat report that core macroeconomic policies are not yet harmonized and remain 
country -specific. The Secretariat 's report further points out that the EAC countries experienced 
highly volatile infl ation, fiscal deficits, and their currencies continued to depreciate against the major 
currencies during the review period. Given these  challenges, it is desirable that the EAC countries 
continue to pursue macroeconomic reforms. Inflation control, reducing  fiscal deficits and maintaining 
macroeconomic stability are  obviously  a key part of this effort.  
3.11.   The Secretariat 's report has also identified overlapping membership of regional economic 
communities by individual EAC countries as a persistent challenge tha t further complicates the 
national trade regimes in the period under review. It is therefore encouraging to see the ongoing 
efforts towards rationali zation and regional integration. This is reflected in the conclusion of WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  negotiations for a Tripartite (COME SA-EAC-SADC) Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and subsequently 
the conclusion of negotiations and launch of an African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).  
3.12.   It is through such a robust regional integration agenda that the EAC countries can achieve 
their am bition to reali ze structural economic transformation and industrial development in Africa.  
Trade performance  
3.13.   On the trade front, we learn from the Secretariat report that agriculture and services remain 
the key drivers of the economies of the EAC countrie s. Agriculture plays a key role in the economies 
of all EAC member States, in terms of contribution to GDP, livelihoods, and foreign exchange 
earnings. The services sector constitutes the main contributor to GDP in all EAC countries. However, 
its potential  remains untapped. This would explain Members ' significant interest in the EAC plans to 
liberali ze or improve GATS commitments, liberali zation, plans for negotiations on domestic 
regulation, among others.  
3.14.   We note from the Secretariat report that since the  last Review of EAC members, the CET 
average rate slightly increased from 12.7% in 2011 to 12.9% in 2018, and that the CET distribution 
has not changed considerably. Tariff bindings vary considerably in terms of coverage of tariff lines 
and levels of bound  rates among the EAC countries. For example, Rwanda has bound 100% of its 
tariff lines. However, the large gap between the bound and applied MFN rates and the absence of 
bindings for over 70% of tariff lines (except Rwanda) leaves EAC members great flexibi lity to 
increase MFN duties, thus reducing the predictability of the tariff regime. Needless to say, this is a 
matter that requires attention.  
3.15.   A case can thus be made for the need for a more progressive balance between the pursuit of 
development imperative s and ensuring predictability within regional trade configuration and by 
extension the Multilateral Trading System.  
3.16.   We learn from the Secretariat report that despite a trade -to-GDP ratio of about 50%, 
intra-EAC trade in goods remains low at around 10% of t he total merchandise trade of the 
Community over the review period. The low intra -EAC trade in goods reflects, inter alia , informal or 
unrecorded cross -border trade; limited infrastructure development; and non -tariff barriers including 
cumbersome administr ative procedures.  
3.17.   On the other hand, the Secretariat report informs that the bulk of EAC trade with the rest of 
the world remains high at nearly 90%, with relatively undiversified import and export destinations 
being mainly major developing and developed countries, including in Africa. The latter can be viewed 
in a positive light to indicate a significant potential or opportunity for further regional and continental 
integration.  
3.18.   The need for concerted steps to improve the collection of data on informal tr ade where many 
citizens, especially women are active, cannot be overemphasi zed and can help us all better capture 
and recogni ze intra -EAC trade. This is especially important in view of the recognition of the 
importance of achieving greater gender equality by the EAC countries at regional and national levels. 
I encourage EAC countries, both at regional and national level,  to extend this to the links between 
trade policy, women 's economic empowerment, and inclusive development.  
3.19.   We learn from the Secretariat report of the high costs of doing business due, inter alia , to a 
high regulatory burden and increased import competition, manufacturing that is characterized by 
limited value addition, and some related to energy -supply challenges.  
3.20.   It is, however, encourag ing to also learn of the positive strides the EAC countries are 
undertaking to introduce reforms to improve the doing business environment to attract investment 
across the region, including through trade facilitation initiatives aimed at enhancing intra -EAC trade 
and deepen integration.  
3.21.   In addition, competition is regulated at both regional and national levels which helps the EAC 
countries to effectively deal with all competition issues having cross -border effects. This positive 
development can help ensure  competition and help reduce the cost of doing business within the 
region.  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  3.22.   It is encouraging to learn of the EAC countries ' commitment to the multilateral trading system 
and ensuring that it provides for the equitable distribution of benefits through the e ffective 
integration of the lessor developed countries, particularly the LDCs into the multilateral trading 
system; and the continuing need for the development dimension of the Doha Development Agenda. 
It can only be hoped and encouraged that Members work towards finding a common purpose to 
achieve progress and development for all.  
3.23.   It is also reassuring to learn of the EAC countries ' concerted efforts to use Aid for Trade as a 
tool to drive the expansion and diversification of trade in value -added goods and  services, and 
improvement in investment inflows through the adoption of the Regional Aid for Trade strategy in 
2017. It is hoped that this tool could be instrumental in addressing some of the bottlenecks and 
developmental challenges that remain stumbling blocks for the EAC countries to realize their full 
potential.  
3.24.   It is also pleasing to learn from the Secretariat report of the growing trend of Aid for Trade 
flows in the region; this support from the development partners is most encouraged, especially if it 
is directed to the countries that need it  most.  
Conclusion  
3.25.   I have in this discussion attempted to highlight some of the prominent issues that that are 
central and have also drawn the attention of a number of WTO Members, and thus key to 
understanding a nd appreciating the trade policies of EAC countries.  
3.26.   I encourage Members to support the EAC countries as they put in place policy initiatives and 
programmes that would stimulate structural economic transformation and sustainable development, 
for the benef it of their people, and the Multilateral Trading System.  
3.27.   I look forward to an interesting and fruitful exchange of views on these and other issues that 
I am sure will arise and enlighten us in the coming days.  
  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
ICELAND  
4.1.  As the WTO report notes , the EAC has maintained solid growth in recent years, with an annual 
average growth rate of around 6% between 2013 and 2017, more than double the African average. 
Iceland also welcomes that the EAC countries continue to make considerable refor ms to improve the 
doing business environment, such as by improving the customs processing system and other trade 
facilitation initiatives.  
4.2.  On the occasion of the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in 2017 , more than 120  WTO 
Members and observers l aunched a joint declaration on women and economic empowerment. The 
declaration aims  at, inter alia , sharing best practices and working together at the WTO to remove 
barriers for women 's economic empowerment and increase their participation in trade. This 
declaration is the fruit of the Trade Impact Working Group that was established under the auspices 
of the International Gender Champions  – Geneva, and that Iceland is co -chairing with Botswana and 
the ITC.  
4.3.  The Trade Policy Review provides an excellent oppo rtunity for an exchange of information and 
best practices on women and trade. Iceland submitted advance written questions  on the participation 
of women in the economy of the EAC countries, as well as on initiatives  the EAC member States are 
undertaking to make economic growth more inclusive. We wish to thank the EAC for the detailed 
and informative replies to our written questions. We will review the answers thoroughly and request 
clarifications as necessary during the course of this TPR. The answers are in deed very useful as we 
implement the joint declaration and gather best practices.  
4.4.  Iceland appreciates the active engagement of the member States of the East African 
Community in the WTO and their continued support for the multilateral trading system. We wi sh the 
delegation of the East African Community every success for their third joint Trade Policy Review.  
CANADA  
4.5.  Canada echoes others in welcoming the East African Community to Geneva and commends the 
East African Community for its strong overall economic p erformance in recent years. Indeed, 
according to the IMF, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are all projected to be among the 
25 fastest growing economies in 2019, with growth rates exceeding 6% per annum.  
4.6.  And to help maintain this momentum, we applaud Ke nya, Rwanda, and Uganda for having 
deposited their instruments of acceptance for the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. To assist in 
trade facilitation in the region Canada is proud to be a donor partner for Trademark East Africa. Our 
work with Trademark Ea st Africa helped countries of the East African Community to regain speed, 
integrate and rationalize their management of border operations; and doing it while ensuring that 
gender equality is incorporated into more efficient border management systems. This is beneficial 
for African businesses, for food safety and security and for poverty reduction. With this in mind, we 
look forward to EAC members ' outstanding notifications under the WTO TFA.  
4.7.  In addition, the Secretariat report indicates that EAC countries c ontinue to fulfil their notification 
obligations at various degrees. However, there are several areas where notifications remain 
outstanding, for example on domestic support and export subsidies in agriculture, on safeguards, 
import licensing or anti -dumpi ng. Notifications are key to ensuring transparency and mutual 
understanding. Canada strongly encourages EAC members with outstanding notifications to submit 
them at their earliest convenience.  
4.8.  Since the summer of 2018, Canada and a group of countries, incl uding Kenya, are working 
together with the objective to engage in a meaningful exchange that aims to identify concrete actions 
to enhance and improve the WTO over the short, medium and long terms. Our goal is to engage 
additional members when appropriate t o advance ideas and suggestions to the broader WTO 
membership for consideration. We welcome views from other EAC members as we advance in this 
important conversation.  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.9.  Now moving beyond WTO -specific points, Canada applauds the efforts of the membership of 
the African Union to bring momentum forward on the African Continental Free Trade Area, which, 
once implemented, aims to boost intra -African trade by over 50%. This landmark agreement was 
signed by 49 countries, and Canada would like to congratulate Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda for being 
among the first member countries to have deposited their instruments of ratification. Canada is 
proud to support the development of the AfCFTA as the sole donor for the African Trade Policy Centre 
(ATPC), established in 2003 as part of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. The ATPC aims to 
strengthen African trade policy capacity, and was instrumental in advancing the AfCFTA negotiation 
process as a formally -mandated member of the negotiation architecture.  
4.10.   We also welcome the nu merous measures made by EAC countries to improve their rankings 
on the most recent World Bank 's Ease of Doing Business survey, especially with Rwanda appearing 
in 29th place and Kenya at 61st. We equally welcome these countries ' continuing efforts and 
increased determination.  
4.11.   We take note of the EAC report, paragraph 7.3 specifically, which reiterates the members 
"shared view and belie[f] in democratic process, rule of law and good governance to achieve 
sustainable economic growth and development ", and a commitment from EAC members to "continue 
to pursue a rules -based system through strengthening judicial systems and institutions including the 
national and regional courts of justice, security and defence ". 
4.12.   Such commitment is important for Canadian companies, especially those in the national 
resource extraction sector, who are very interested in doing business in Africa, and need a stable 
and predictable business environment to do so. They need a guarantee that a signed agreement will 
not be rewritte n or withdrawn.  
4.13.   Accordingly, Canada strongly believes that the best path forward to inclusive economic 
growth, both at home and with our international partners, is the creation of a stable and coherent 
regulatory environment which engenders confidence within the international investor community, 
especially in an environment where there is increasing competition for scarce capital.  
4.14.   Canada calls on any Government to ensure that implementation of or changes to taxation and 
other regulations respect its int ernational obligations and existing contractual commitments, so as 
to build that necessary confidence. We believe this is critical to support EAC policy to provide more 
investment opportunities  - as they are essential to the EAC 's capacity to address the "daunting 
challenge of addressing socio -economic constraints including disease and poverty " and each 
country 's development vision.  
4.15.   We look forward to further exchanges over the course of the coming days and wish the EAC 
and its members a successful Trade Po licy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.16.   We are encouraged to learn from the Secretariat report that during the period under review, 
the EAC WTO Members have been deepening their economic integration. These Members also 
recorded strong GDP growth driven by increased public investments in transport and energy 
infrastructures, favourable weather conditions and strategic policy interventions.  
4.17.   Against this backdrop, total bilateral trade in goods between Singapore and the EAC in 2018 
amounted to 226.9 million SGD, which was an i ncrease of 32% from the previous year. For bilateral 
trade in services in 2017, Singapore 's import of services from the EAC increased by 60.6% over the 
previous year. Singapore 's ties with many EAC countries have also strengthened in recent years, 
especial ly in the area of trade and investment. We commend the EAC 's efforts to increase trade 
openness and connectivity, and look forward to continuing our mutual cooperation, including in port 
management, air services, financial services and in information commu nication and technology 
(ICT).  
4.18.   We note that while all EAC WTO Members have notified their Category  A commitments, 
Burundi and Tanzania have yet to ratify the Trade Facilitation  Agreement (TFA), and we hope that 
they will do so soon. We also note that Burun di has yet to ratify the Protocol amending the TRIPS 
Agreement, and hope this can be done as soon as possible.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.19.   Turning to notifications, we are pleased that just two weeks ago, the EAC was in the spotlight 
in the WTO 's Twitter page for increased transparen cy, where it was highlighted that four EAC WTO 
Members are among the top 10 notifiers in 2018 under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to 
Trade. We encourage EAC WTO Members to take steps to fulfil their outstanding notifications.  
4.20.   6 We wish the EAC every success for this TPR. We would also like to thank Ambassador 
Laourou for his able chairmanship of the Trade Policy Review Body over the past year, and 
congratulate Ambassador Teehankee who will take over the chairmanship after this TPR.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.21.   We thank each of the Governments of the five EAC member countries and the WTO Secretariat 
for the excellent and comprehensive reports that they prepared for this review. I would also note 
our appreciation for the written responses to our questions submitte d in advance on this meeting. 
Finally, we would like to extend our congratulations to South Sudan on joining the EAC in 2016. We 
look forward to working with South Sudan on its WTO accession process in the coming months.  
4.22.   Since the last Trade Policy Review of the EAC in 2012, the EAC has made substantial progress 
toward achieving greater regional integration, including the admission of South Sudan into the EAC, 
as well as the establishment of an effective customs union and continued strides toward achieving 
a true common market. At the same time, we recognize that EAC member countries continue to face 
challenges, including low intra -EAC trade, poor infrastructure conditions, and the proliferation of 
non-tariff barriers, as noted in the Secretariat report.  
4.23.   The United States will continue to support the EAC 's efforts to strengthen regional economic 
integration and to expand trade and economic ties between the EAC and the United States.  
4.24.   Under the U.S. -EAC Trade and Investment Partnership and Trade Africa initiat ive, the United 
States has worked closely with the EAC to explore ways to deepen our bilateral trade and investment 
relationship, grow trade and investment, and identify potential building blocks towards a more 
comprehensive relationship over the long term . 
4.25.   In 2015, the United States and EAC member countries Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, 
and Uganda signed a Cooperation Agreement on Trade Facilitation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures, and Technical Barriers to Trade. The agreement has increased trade -capacity building in 
these key areas in EAC countries. In addition, we continue to provide financial support to the EAC 
Secretariat to continue its critical work of bringing the region 's economies together. Through the 
East Africa Trade and Investment Hub , the United States works to expand and diversify bilateral 
trade – including under the African Growth and Opportunity Act – attract investment, create 
employment, and reduce food insecurity within East Africa.  
4.26.   Since the last review, the United States is p leased to continue a robust and vibrant trade and 
investment relationship with the EAC. Most exports from the EAC to the United States enter the U.S. 
market duty -free or on a most favoured  nation or a preferential basis, either through the Generalized 
System of Preferences or under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.  
4.27.   We commend Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda 's ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA), and the EAC 's adoption of a regional TFA implementation plan in 2016. As the 
Secretariat report notes, Burundi and Tanzania have yet to ratify the TFA, which entered into force 
in February 2017, and the notification of a number of Category B and C commitments by Kenya and 
Uganda remain outstanding.  
4.28.   We note that Kenya has yet to notify its Cate gory B commitments with definitive timelines, 
which were due to the Secretariat by 22 February 2018, nor identified its Category C commitments 
with the indicative time frames. We encourage all EAC member countries to ensure the timely 
implementation of the  agreement.  
4.29.   We also encourage EAC member countries to continue efforts to improve implementation of 
the WTO agreements, including the Customs Valuation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary, and Technical 
Barriers to Trade Agreements. And to the extent that EAC memb ers exceed the bound rates for WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  some tariff lines, we recommend that they begin working with the Secretariat to initiate the required 
compensation process.  
4.30.   We note that according to the Secretariat report, none of the EAC WTO member countries is 
a Member or  an observer to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). Becoming an 
observer to the GPA would allow EAC WTO member countries to engage with other countries on 
matters related to government procurement while not requiring them to take on any obli gations. We 
encourage EAC WTO member countries to become GPA observers.  
4.31.   Finally, we note that African leaders at the African Union Summit in July 2016 agreed to 
finance 25 % of the cost of African Union peace support operations by imposing a WTO inconsiste nt 
0.2% levy on selected imports. The United States does not support the use of trade measures, 
including a levy, to fund these operations. We encourage EAC member countries, along with all other 
African Union WTO Members, to provide long -overdue transpare ncy about how they are currently 
financing their countries ' shares of the peace fund. To the extent that African Union WTO Members 
are contributing via non -trade means, we would welcome that news, but again request that 
transparency be provided.   
4.32.   To concl ude, the United States stands ready to continue to work with the EAC, and appreciates 
the opportunity to participate in this review of the EAC 's trade policy. We look forward to our dialogue 
with the Governments of the EAC member countries, both within the  WTO and on a regional and 
bilateral basis.  
CHINA  
4.33.   China is glad to note that, during the review period, efforts have been made to dismantle 
trade barriers across this region, and considerable progress has been achieved towards regional 
integration. Since l ast review, the EAC focused on the consolidation of the customs union and the 
establishment of the common market. The EAC countries continue to make considerable reforms 
including improving customs processing system and trade facilitating infrastructure, e stablishment 
of national electronic Single Window, etc., with a view to deepening EAC 's integration and providing 
more investment opportunities, greater transparency and predictability of trade measures of the 
community within the multilateral trading syst em. 
4.34.   At the bilateral level, China and Africa have embarked on a distinctive path of win -win 
cooperation. As Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China -Africa 
Cooperation (FOCAC) last year, Africa 's development has great p otential, this great continent is full 
of hope, China -Africa friendship and cooperation have broad vistas, and China and Africa can forge 
an even stronger comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership.  
4.35.   Since the last review, the economic and trade co operation between the EAC and China has 
maintained a strong momentum under the FOCAC initiative. China remains an important and reliable 
partner of the EAC in trade, investment and infrastructural development, etc. The bilateral trade 
volume between China and the EAC amounted to USD 12.28 billion in 2018 with a year -on-year 
increase of 9.4%. Meanwhile, China is a main source of FDI flows into the EAC. In 2018, the direct 
investment of Chinese enterprises in the EAC countries reached USD 890 million.  
4.36.   While applauding for the above -mentioned achievements, we hope to see further 
improvements. For instance, the simplification of customs procedures and documentation 
requirements could contribute to our economic cooperation in the future. We also encourage the 
EAC to continue their trade liberalization, and improve business environment with a view to 
enhancing transparency and predictability, as well as attracting foreign investment. Africa is one of 
the world 's most promising regions, and we are optimistic that the EAC will bring into full play its 
advantages and achieve great success.  
4.37.   The EAC has been a strong supporter of multilateral trading system, as the report of EAC 
reveals, "the EAC countries remain committed to the multilateral trading system and are tak ing note 
of the current challenges facing the WTO. The member states will continue to work with likeminded 
countries to address the challenges ". China appreciates the EAC 's commitment to the multilateral 
trade system, and values the EAC 's continued support  in this regard. China looks forward to joining 
hands with EAC member countries and other WTO Members to contribute to an open, transparent, WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  inclusive  and non -discriminatory multilateral trading system, and to build a community of shared 
future with extens ive converging interests and high degree of interdependence.  
4.38.   We also noted that the Working Group on the Accession of South Sudan, another EAC Member, 
is going to hold its first meeting tomorrow. The accession of South Sudan will not only promote its 
own d omestic economic reform and growth, but also strengthen the multilateral trading system. 
Considering the difficulties of South Sudan as an LDC, China urges Members to show flexibility in 
the process, and facilitate its accession according to the Decision o n the Accession of Least -
developed Countries.  
4.39.   In closing, China thanks the EAC delegation for their reply to our written questions and wishes 
the EAC a successful  TPR. 
UKRAINE  
4.40.   The EAC countries represent the important and promising partner for Ukraine in t erms of trade 
and economic cooperation in the African region. Trade turnover between Ukraine and the East African 
Community was valued at USD 125 million in 2018 (Export = USD 92,5 million and Import= 
USD 31,5 million). The main articles of Ukrainian expor ts to the EAC were: grains, ferrous metals, 
fats and oils of plant and animal origin, vegetables, whereas import from the EAC included coffee 
and tea, edible fruits and nuts, live trees and other plants.  
4.41.   Trade in services between our countries covers tour ism, telecommunications, business 
services, computer and information services.  
4.42.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has raised a number of important questions on a range of 
issues of specific interest, covering the following topics:  
• SPS-related measures;  
• Standards and technical regulations;  
• Mutual recognition procedure for veterinary vaccines and pharmaceuticals and harmonized 
registration system;  
• Investment regime;  
• Harmonization proposals for VAT and excise taxes rates;  
• Intentions to ratify the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation by some EAC Members;  
•  Agricultural policy;  
• Functioning and the main achievements of the Tourism Finance Corporation;  
• Import licensing regime , etc. 
4.43.   Ukraine is closely monitoring the economic development of the EAC Members and attaches  
high importance to strengthening bilateral cooperation with the EAC wishing to build a stronger 
economic and trade relationship.  
4.44.   In conclusion, I would like to express our appreciation to the delegation of the East African 
Community and to the teams of t he Missions of the Member countries to the WTO in Geneva for 
their hard work in preparing for this TPR.  
4.45.   We wish the EAC successful and fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
COLOMBIA  
4.46.   We would like to begin this intervention by highlighting the progress made in the integration 
of the East African Community. The Secretariat Report notes that the subregion's average growth 
rate over the five years of the review period (2014 -2017) was 5%, a fact that demonstrates how, 
despite the heterogeneity of its members' economies,  their coordination has helped mitigate the 
vicissitudes of the global economy.  
4.47.   Inflation control is another macroeconomic issue worth mentioning. The Secretariat report 
notes the challenges stemming from the rise in global commodity prices, especially crude oil prices, 
which exerted strong upward pressure on price levels and resulted  in average inflation of about 8% WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  in 2017. However, joint action by the members through monetary policy interventions and improved 
food supply succeeded in bringing this under control.  
4.48.   The goal of establishing a monetary union by 2024 is also worth noting,  and there have been 
important milestones on that path, including the 2013 Monetary Union Protocol and the 2018 law 
creating the East African Monetary Institute.  
4.49.   However, the Secretariat report also points to institutional challenges in the integration eff ort, 
particularly with respect to harmonization of customs procedures, VAT regimes, regimes on 
standards and technical regulations, and intellectual property policies, among others, and the 
creation of a regional investment framework. These elements are al l important for the continued 
consolidation of the regional integration process into the future.  
4.50.   Colombia's trading relationship with the EAC members is in its incipient stages. However, we 
stress the potential for future growth in our relations and our in terest in continuing to learn about 
each other. That is why, as part of this Trade Policy Review, we submitted some questions to the 
EAC on issues such as customs requirements and procedures, customs valuation, standards and 
technical requirements, sanitar y and phytosanitary measures, and intellectual property rights, and 
we thank them for their replies.  
4.51.   At the level of the individual countries, we would like to highlight some issues and 
developments that drew our attention in the reports prepared for this Review; these include the 
implementation of the Vision Burundi 2025 plan, which sets forth long -term social and economic 
development objectives, and the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Framework.  
4.52.   We also note with interest the mechanisms that allow K enya's government and private sector 
to work together on trade and investment policy formulation, such as the Presidential Round Table, 
a platform involving the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KPSA), the Association of Manufacturers and 
the National Chamber  of Commerce and Industry.  
4.53.   We highlight the significant progress made in Rwanda in transitioning from a low -income 
economy to a middle -income one, with the level of extreme poverty falling significantly, from 40% 
in 2001 to 16.3% in 2014. The country's ris e in the Doing Business rankings is also notable; it moved 
up 11  places, from 41st in 2018 to 29th in 2019.  
4.54.   With respect to Tanzania, we note its stable and vibrant economy and its significant experience 
in the tourism sector. Lastly, we would like to high light Uganda's progress in customs matters, with 
its launch of a single window based on ASYCUDA World; the country also deposited its instrument 
of ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement on 25  June 2018, having already submitted its 
notification of Category A measures.  
4.55.   We would like to conclude this intervention by wishing Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and 
Uganda every success in their Trade Policy Review.  
ARGENTINA  
4.56.   Argentina is pleased to note that, during the review period, the EAC WTO Member s recorded 
strong GDP growth driven by increased public investments in transport and energy infrastructures, 
favourable weather conditions and strategic policy interventions.  
4.57.   The boost to agricultural production and the good tourism -driven performance of t he services 
sector, a sector with still untapped potential, are also welcome. It is interesting to note that while 
agriculture is the key driver of the EAC economies, it is the services sector that is the main 
contributor to their GDP.  
4.58.   Argentina is also op timistic about the EAC members' ongoing reform efforts to establish a 
monetary union by 2024.  
4.59.   We appreciate the fact that the EAC members' national investment codes are liberal, with no 
major restrictions on foreign presence. We note that both local and fo reign investors receive the 
same treatment in terms of incentives.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.60.   Argentina welcomes the fact that Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have deposited their 
instruments of ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. We appreciate the progress made 
towards full harmonization in customs management, although some customs procedures and 
documentation requirements continue to be country -specific.  
4.61.   Despite the tremendous progress that has been made, Argentina is aware of the many 
challenges facing the EAC members. Thes e include, to name a few, the need to diversify their 
economies, to increase intra -EAC trade, to harmonize core macroeconomic policies and to ensure a 
stable and accessible energy supply, without forgetting outstanding notification requirements.  
4.62.   As part of  this Trade Policy Review, our country submitted questions relating to trade 
facilitation and services trade in the EAC. We appreciate the replies provided, which have been sent 
to Buenos  Aires for review by the authorities concerned.  
4.63.   In conclusion, we wou ld like to reiterate our appreciation of this new opportunity to exchange 
information and reflections on the trade policies and practices of the EAC members and to also once 
again draw attention to the importance of this exercise in transparency, in all it s aspects. We wish 
the authorities of the EAC members a successful conclusion to this Review and encourage them not 
to let up in their efforts to become a prosperous, competitive, secure and politically united region, 
as set out in the Treaty establishing the Community.  
BRAZIL  
4.64.   Since its last Trade Policy review in 2012, the EAC has made substantial progress in a number 
of areas, including trade facilitation. Brazil praises the efforts towards the implementation of the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). As noted in the Secretariat report, however, work still remains 
to be done in this area. Brazil looks forward to constructive engagement by EAC member States on 
trade facilitation issues with a view to further reduce customs barriers.  
4.65.   The EAC has taken steps towards establishing an effective customs union and common 
market. Member States commitment to regional economic integration and their efforts to curb trade 
barriers to regional trade are well placed. EAC member States combined market comprises nearly 
180 million people with a real GDP of almost USD 150 billion.  
4.66.   Brazil is also part of a Customs Union ( MERCOSUR ), together with Argentina, Paraguay and 
Uruguay. Regional integration is an important tool to complement and advance the multilateral 
trading system.  These agreements help promote economic growth and prosperity for their 
participants.  
4.67.   The progress that member States of the EAC have made towards regional economic 
integration is notable. We highlight, for example, efforts on the implementation of reforms  to 
improve the business environment and to promote investment as a single investment area. We 
encourage EAC member states to continue on this path.  
4.68.   We note, however, that Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda still appear to be exceeding their tariff 
bindings on a n umber of tariff lines. We look forward to hearing these members on this particular 
issue.  
4.69.   We also observe that the number of non -ad valorem tariff lines increased during the period 
under review. This adds to the complexity of the tariff structure. Brazil h as presented a question to 
EAC members States on this issue, and encourages them to make use of ad -valorem rates in order 
to increase transparency.  
4.70.   Brazil is involved in technical cooperation with Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania on the Cotton 
Victoria Project,  an initiative whose objective is to contribute to the improvement of the 
competitiveness in the cotton sector. The knowledge acquired from this cooperation can be used in 
other regions, and a new project is under way, called the Beyond Cotton Initiative, in partnership 
with the World Food Programme, which involves EAC members Kenya and Tanzania, as well as Benin 
and Mozambique, with the aim to support smallholder cotton producers and public institutions in 
these four countries.  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.71.   In closing, we congratulate each of the member States on their efforts to confront constraints 
and implement reforms compatible with the multilateral trading system. We wish the EAC members 
a successful Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.72.   These five countries are examined together in a Trade Policy Review as they are working 
together in a regional integration process. The EU strongly believes that these countries ' continued 
and deeper integration in the East African Community is of utmost importance a s it boosts their 
competitiveness and attractiveness as investment locations.  
4.73.   The EU welcomes the progress made by the EAC in its integration since its last TPR in 2012. 
As the spokesperson of EAC noted, the EAC 's customs union has been strengthened and c ustoms 
clearance at the borders made more efficient; the EU welcomes in particular the regional Authorized 
Economic Operator (AEO) system and the one -stop border posts in 2016. Secondly, in 2013 the East 
African Monetary Union Protocol (EAMU Protocol) was adopted with the aim to establish a monetary 
union by 2024.  
4.74.   Since the last joint review, the EAC 's economic growth has mainly been supported by 
increased public investments in transport and energy infrastructures, and driven by tourism activities 
and other  services sectors. The EU acknowledges steps taken by the EAC countries to diversify their 
economies and encourages efforts to continue diversification their export basket, to expand trade in 
manufacturing and to modernise SMEs. Economic progress should be  underpinned by socio -
economic efforts, good governance, respect for labour and human rights and combatting fraud and 
corruption.  
4.75.   With a view to enhancing transparency and predictability, the EU urges the EAC countries to 
meet their notification requiremen ts under the WTO. We welcome the ratification of the WTO 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation by Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, and we call on Burundi and Tanzania 
to follow suit. We also join other Members ' calls to fully and swiftly proceed to implementing it, 
notably as regards outstanding notifications under categories B and C.  
4.76.   The EU commends EAC 's efforts at regional level to assist the countries to implement the 
TRIPS Agreement. We encourage Burundi to accept the 2005 Protocol amending the TRIPS 
Agreement.  
4.77.   The EU calls on each country not yet having signed the joint statements in Buenos Aires, to 
consider joining the initiatives on electronic commerce, investment facilitation and MSMEs. As 
regards the declaration on women and trade, and as reminded by the Icel andic delegation, we note 
with appreciation that all members,  but Tanzania have signed up to the Buenos Aires declaration.  
4.78.   The EU is a steady and major supporter of East Africa 's economic development and a key 
partner in the EAC countries ' integration int o the global marketplace. The EU remains a fundamental 
market destination for East African exports, and a major trading partner for all EAC countries.  
4.79.   Four out of five EAC Members are LDCs (Kenya being the exception), and thus benefit from 
duty-free and qu ota-free access to the EU market under our "Everything But Arms " (EBA) 
preferential arrangement.  
4.80.   However, as these countries are quickly moving up the development ladder, they will 
progressively graduate out of the EBA scheme. The EU -EAC Economic Partnersh ip Agreement – 
whose ratification process is underway – is the sole trade regime that can provide a truly bilateral, 
permanent and uniform trade relations with the EU for all EAC Members. In September 2016, Kenya 
and Rwanda signed the EPA and Kenya has rat ified it. The EPA also perfectly fits into EAC countries ' 
drive and efforts towards deepening regional integration in East Africa, and beyond on the continent. 
As it is fully in line with the EAC Common External Tariff, it contributes to creating a more ef ficient 
regional market with predictable and stable rules. EAC Members ' drive towards the implementation 
of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) will also be supported by the EPA as its 
tariff schedules and flexible rules of origin will prov e being useful building blocks to continental 
integration. The EPA covers not only trade but also offers opportunities for development cooperation.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.81.   More specifically, via the 11th European Development Fund for the period 2014 -2020, an 
amount of €50 million  was allocated to the East African region to support regional economic 
integration and support for trade. In addition, a total amount of about €2300 million is allocated to 
the national cooperation. In line with the countries ' development plans, national c ooperation focuses 
mainly on support to sustainable energy, sustainable agriculture and food security, and good 
governance.  
4.82.   The EU submitted a number of questions on several areas of EAC countries ' trade policies and 
practices. We have received replies to most of our questions and are currently reviewing them. We 
invite EAC to use the alternative timeframe in the future for its next TPR, as this would allow more 
time for Members under review to deal with the questions and the other Members to review them 
and thus enhance transparency of this exercise.  
4.83.   On behalf of the EU, I look forward to a constructive exchange of views during this Trade 
Policy Review and wish the East African Community and its delegation from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, 
Tanzania, and Uganda the best of success.  
JAPAN  
4.84.   During the review period, the EAC WTO Members achieved significant GDP growth driven by 
increased public investments in transport and energy infrastructures, boosted agricultural 
production, and a well -performing services sector.  Consequently, Kenya acquired the status of 
lower -middle -income country. We truly appreciate this achievement, and expect the other EAC WTO 
Members to follow suit. We also appreciate Rwanda 's strong and continuous economic growth, which 
is mainly attribute d to growth in the ICT sector. In this regard, we believe that the region has a 
strong potential to unleash the benefits of the digital economy. Therefore, we encourage the region 
to participate in the Joint Statement Initiative on electronic commerce in t he WTO.  
4.85.   At the same time, increased public expenditures on ongoing infrastructure projects have 
caused chronic fiscal deficits. In order to compensate for this, we believe it is important to enhance 
exports to, and attract investments from, countries outsi de the region. In this regard, we appreciate 
the region 's efforts to conclude an FTA in Goods with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern 
Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, as well as an 
EPA with the European U nion. We hope the region will make further progress in this activity by 
pursuing more integrated services markets, as well as more harmonized competition and IPR 
regimes.  
4.86.   As for the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), we appreciate the region 's efforts to implement 
the agreement, including through notification of their Category A commitments. Now Kenya, Rwanda 
and Uganda have accepted the TFA in the region, and we expect that all the other EAC WTO Members 
will accept the TFA in the near future. We also ackn owledge that much progress has been made 
during this review period in the area of harmonization and particularly appreciate the region 's efforts 
to harmonize customs clearance procedures.  
4.87.   Having said that, Japan has some concerns. The region needs greater harmonization of its 
export procedures, the SPS and TBT measures, the competition regime, and the IPR regime. In 
addition, the Common External Tariff (CET) average rate has increased from 12.7% in 2011 to 
12.9% in 2018. This reflects the fact that the tariff rates exceed the bound rates in many tariff lines.   
4.88.   In conclusion, we are sure that the EAC WTO Members will be well placed to continue pursuing 
open, transparent and non -discriminator y markets by observing their commitments to the WTO. We 
wish the EAC WTO Members a successful and productive TPR, and look forward to hearing of further 
progress regarding their trade and investment policies at their next TPR.  
4.89.   Thank you, Chairman, Discussa nt, and all the distinguished delegates of the EAC WTO 
Members (i.e. Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) and the EAC Secretariat.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.90.   Australia enjoys strong trade and investment links with EAC countries. Our main exports to 
EAC countries in clude raw minerals such as aluminium and zinc, civil engineering equipment, and WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  medical and electrical parts; while our main imports from EAC countries include vegetables, coffee 
and clothing products.  
4.91.   In terms of investment, during the review period, Aus tralian companies invested in major 
mining, oil and gas projects in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, while also forming new links in the 
areas of education and agriculture.  
4.92.   We look forward to deepening and strengthening our economic relationship with EAC coun tries 
in the years ahead. East Africa, with its growing urban middle class creating new demands for goods 
and services, is clearly a region of significant economic opportunity. We are working to expand and 
diversify commercial links with the EAC, particula rly in the agriculture, education and services 
sectors.  
4.93.   We congratulate the EAC on the strong overall economic growth sustained during the review 
period, with average annual real GDP growth rates of over 5%. We commend Kenya on acquiring 
the status of low er-middle -income country in 2014.  
4.94.   We note a few important points from the Secretariat 's report. First, that large proportion of 
EAC populations are reliant on agriculture for their livelihood. Second, that high costs of doing 
business prevent obstacles to  further economic development. And third, the ratio of EAC Members ' 
trade to GDP remains moderate, at about 50 %. 
4.95.   We applaud the EAC 's ongoing harmonization efforts, including the milestone adoption of the 
East African Monetary Union Protocol, the introduction of Authorized Economic Operator system, 
new initiatives to improve the interconnectivity of customs systems and the establishment of 
one-stop border posts.  
4.96.   We note the adoption of the fifth EAC Development Strategy and the EAC Vision 2050, an d 
wish the EAC success in transforming the region.  
4.97.   We encourage the EAC to continue to progress its integration agenda and look for 
opportunities to reduce tariffs and tackle non -tariff barriers. Further removal of trade barriers, 
investments in infrastruc ture and improved integration – for example harmonization of internal 
taxes, export procedures and documentation, and intellectual property regimes - will encourage 
future growth across the EAC.  
4.98.   We also encourage EAC Members to continue to engage construc tively in WTO processes, 
which we have a mutual interest in supporting.  
4.99.   We look forward to engaging in South Sudan 's WTO accession process.  
4.100.   We note there are several areas where notifications remain outstanding.  
4.101.   Australia was pleased to provide construct ive input to this review process. For this review, 
we have submitted questions covering EAC coordination and harmonisation initiatives, and EAC 
countries ' plans to reduce or remove existing trade and investment barriers. Given Australia 's 
commercial intere sts, we are particularly interested in seeking clarity on the legal and regulatory 
framework governing the mining sector in EAC countries.  
4.102.   We look forward to responses to these questions and wish the EAC a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
THAILAND  
4.103.   Thailand  and the EAC have growing bilateral trading relations. The EAC is the fourth largest 
importing market of Thailand in Africa, and Thailand is the sixth largest importing market of the EAC 
in ASIA. Total trade between Thailand and the EAC has constantly expa nded in recent years. In 
2018, bilateral trade amounted to US D 533 million, growing by 15% from 2017. Thailand hopes that 
our bilateral trade will continue to increase to further strengthen economic relations.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.104.   The trade policy reports brought to light seve ral areas of improvement and noted some of 
the challenges facing the five EAC WTO Members as they strive to participate more effectively in the 
global trading system and to use trade as a means to stimulate greater economic growth and 
development.  
4.105.   Thailand  is pleased to learn that during the review period, the EAC WTO Members sustained 
strong GDP growth fuelled  by increased public investments, favourable weather conditions, and 
strategic policy interventions. Agricultural production was boosted and driven b y buoyant tourism 
activities. The service sector also recorded a good performance.  
4.106.   Thailand notably welcomes the emphasis on the full harmonization of customs procedures 
among the EAC members and encourages the EAC to move forward to continue to improve customs 
and border clearance procedures.  
4.107.   On the participation of the EAC in the WTO, all EAC WTO Members have notified their 
Category A commitments under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda have 
ratified the TFA. We, therefore, enco urage Burundi and Tanzania to complete their ratification 
processes in order to reap the full benefits of the TFA.  
4.108.   The EAC WTO Members continue to fulfil their notification obligations at the WTO. However, 
they have faced challenges in making timely notifi cations due to lack of capacity in various agencies. 
This is an area that needs technical assistance to improve compliance under different WTO 
agreements.  
4.109.   In this review, Thailand submitted questions covering specific aspects of trade and economic 
policies  of the EAC, including customs valuation, the EAC Competition Act of 2006, and the EAC 
policy on anti -counterfeiting. In addition to our advance questions, Thailand is interested to learn 
more about EAC 's plan to harmonize its common external tariffs with WTO commitments.  
4.110.   In conclusion, we wish the EAC a successful outcome in this joint Trade Policy Review.  
INDONESIA  
4.111.   Indonesia thanks each country member of the EAC delegation, for having provided a 
comprehensive report on each member 's respective economic a nd trade policy. Our gratitude also 
goes to the WTO Secretariat, for their hard work in providing Members with a report. Indonesia also 
thanks Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme of Botswana, who – through her role as discussant – has 
provided much insights to t his review process, which sets up an important basis to the current 
discussion.   
4.112.   This review process is important to Indonesia, for Indonesia has been forging a mutually 
beneficial trade relationship, with countries of the EAC. In the last five years betw een 2014 and 
2018, the value of overall bilateral trade, in non -oil products, between Indonesia and member 
countries of the EAC, recorded a positive trend – that is, from USD 450.4 million in 2014, to 
USD 699.2 million in 2018.  
4.113.   During the same five -year pe riod, trade balance between individual members of the EAC saw 
a variety of performance. The largest trade surplus for Indonesia, accruing from bilateral trade 
between members of the EAC, was recorded, always, with Kenya – with a trade surplus that 
amounted  to USD 277.3 million in 2018.  
4.114.   On the other extreme, trade balance between Indonesia and Uganda, within the same 
five-year period between 2014 and 2018, was always recorded as a deficit, although this deficit 
plummeted by 87% in 2018, from USD 12.6 million  in 2017, to USD 1.6 million in 2018.  
4.115.   Indonesia applauds member countries of the EAC for their tireless endeavour  in integrating 
their economy amongst themselves, and into the global value chain. There are a handful indicators 
of success to this complex mi ssion, as demonstrated, amongst others: (i) by the increased regional 
efforts on the harmonization of standards and technical regulations, overseeing the development of 
new standards and the harmonization of existing ones; (ii) by the fact that clearance o f imported 
goods are being undertaken through single custom territory model since 2016; (iii) by the WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  harmonization of some fees related to services provided and documents issued by Customs; and 
(iv) by the harmonization of most national duties as well as t ax exemption and concession schemes.  
4.116.   However, despite these positive developments, Indonesia expresses concern, to some 
trade -related policies and practices of the EAC country members, such as: measures on the changes 
in import tariffs between EAC country members; on the high tariff for non -agricultural products; on 
measures related to pre -shipment inspection for conformity; and on the lack of harmonization of 
regimes on standards and technical regulations.  
4.117.   We have included these concerns in our advanced written questions that we have submitted. 
And we convey appreciation, for the responses that we have received, yesterday. We are currently 
still studying the feedback that the EAC has provided and will accordin gly do a follow -up inquiry if 
needed.  
4.118.   It is our hope that this TPR process can serve as a forum, to address these trade concerns, 
which are among the main obstacles to an enhanced economic cooperation between Indonesia and 
members of the EAC.  
4.119.   Excellencies, heads of delegation, looking forward, Indonesia predicts that the on -going 
imports from the EAC in the form of cocoa beans, tobacco, and edible vegetables, would experience 
an increase in subsequent years. Meanwhile, the EAC may benefit from Indonesia 's readiness to 
engage in an enhanced trading partnership, in palm oil, motor vehicles, and paper products – 
amongst others.  
4.120.   In terms of investment, economic sectors that are potential for business partnership between 
member countries of the EAC a nd Indonesia, are in the construction and infrastructure; the energy; 
the agro -industry; the information and communication technology; and the banking sector.  
4.121.   Indonesia sees much scope, yet to be explored in our trade -related ties. We look forward to 
the E AC and Indonesia to capitalize further on the intense multi -faceted bilateral cooperation that 
countries of the EAC and Indonesia have invested in.  
4.122.   In conclusion, my delegation wishes the delegation of the EAC success in this Trade Policy 
review.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.123.   Korea and the EAC countries have maintained close relations in the fields of trade, 
investment, and development assistance. Broadening the partnership with African countries 
continues to be one of Korea 's foreign policy priorities. In this vein, w e are pleased to note that 
Korea and the African Union held the Second Policy Consultation Meeting last October in Seoul to 
discuss the progress to date as well as concrete ways to further enhance mutual cooperation. We 
hope that our cooperative relations will be further reinforced based on these and other initiatives 
between Africa and Korea.  
4.124.   Let me now turn to the overall performance of the EAC WTO Members.  
4.125.   As the Secretariat report noted, during the review period, the EAC WTO Members recorded 
strong GDP growth driven by increased public investments in transport and energy infrastructures, 
favourable  weather conditions, and strategic policy interventions. In particular, agriculture and 
services were the main drivers of EAC economies, accounting for about 3 0% and 47% of the GDP, 
respectively, over the review period. We hope the EAC countries maintain this upward trend by 
accelerating the ongoing reform efforts.  
4.126.   Even though noticeable progress has been made with regard to trade and investment 
liberalization, there still exist difficulties which exporters and investors face in their business 
transactions with the EAC countries. As the Secretariat report mentioned, some customs procedures 
and the legal and institutional frameworks for investment remain country -specific. We welcome the 
conclusion of a Tripartite Free Trade Agreement among COMESA, EAC, and SADC in goods in 2015 
and encourage the EAC countries to continue to make regional integration efforts.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.127.   My delegation has submitted, albeit somewhat late, our wr itten questions to Tanzania and 
Uganda regarding their policies on trade and investment. We thank Uganda for providing answers, 
which Seoul will review carefully. As for Tanzania, we look forward to receiving a reply in due course.  
4.128.   In closing, Korea looks forward to cooperating with the EAC countries to enhance 
opportunities for trade and investment in the future. We would like to express our sincere 
appreciation once again to the delegations of EAC countries for their hard work and wish them every 
success in this TPR.  
TURKEY  
4.129.   Through coordinated policies among its members, EAC has become one of the most 
integrated regional economic communities and achieved remarkable progress in implementation of 
the Customs Union and the Common Market.  
4.130.   As the Secretariat  report underlined, EAC countries had growth rates over 5% annually, 
thanks to the public investments in infrastructure and positive developments in the agriculture and 
services sector. The real GDP per capita increased by 16.3% since last review.  
4.131.   We are gla d to see that Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have deposited their instruments of 
acceptance for the TFA.  
4.132.   We also applaud the initiatives such as EAC Customs Management Act and EAC Customs 
Management Regulations to fully utilise the benefits of intra -union trade . 
4.133.   Although the EAC countries have done well on a number of areas, we also see some 
difficulties that they have to address for creating more robust economies.  
4.134.   For example, the need for diversification in manufacturing, increased trade costs within the 
region, and high cost of doing business may be the key challenges for the EAC countries in the period 
ahead. In addition, despite the steps taken, the share of manufacturing sector in their economies is 
still low.  
4.135.   In this context, we note with satisfaction that  a number of new policies were adopted during 
the review period in the EAC countries. We view that crafting policies for encouraging trade and 
investments will help diversification in their economies and strengthening manufacturing industry. 
We share the v iew that the policies towards enhancement of the capacity of private sector will also 
be an important ingredient in stimulating increased trade and investment.  
4.136.   We believe that WTO can provide a sustainable path for African economies. In this regard, 
despit e their limited resources, EAC counties are always providing utmost support to uphold 
multilateral system and actively involved in the discussions at the WTO with a constructive approach.  
4.137.   As part of Turkey 's special attention vis -à-vis its relations with African countries, our bilateral 
economic ties with EAC countries is being steadily strengthened, and our bilateral trade volume 
increased more than 25% during the review period. We believe that we have furt her mutual 
opportunities in the field of trade and investments.  
4.138.   Turkey will continue to support the development policies of the EAC members and wishes 
East African Community member countries a very successful Trade Policy Review.  
MAURITIUS  
4.139.   We are pleased to participate in this joint Trade Policy Review and we commend the EAC for 
the strong GDP growth in individual countries.   
4.140.   We also commend EAC 's efforts aimed at improving the business environment in the region.  
4.141.   EAC member States have undertaken  consider able reforms to enhance their trade and reap 
socio-economic benefits. For example, Rwanda has made significant progress in the World Bank 
Doing Business Index (on Ease of Doing Business, it is ranked 2nd in Africa after Mauritius).  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.142.   No doubt the EAC is cons idered as one of the most successful Regional Economic 
Communities in Africa.  
4.143.   One may note that improvements have been made within the EAC towards the elimination 
of Non -Tariff Barriers (NTBs) through a National Monitoring Committee.  
4.144.   The reporting of NTBs through an online SMS -based platform is indeed very innovative.  
4.145.   However, as highlighted by the Secretariat report, the EAC region needs to consolidate 
efforts towards harmonization of policies affecting trade. The report notes that standards and 
technical regulations regimes, intellectual property rights and other sectoral policies are not 
harmonized across the EAC membership. This could be one of the reasons accounting for low 
intra-EAC trade, and that remains a challenge.  
4.146.   We believe that specific policie s aimed at reducing barriers to trade towards countries in the 
region would help EAC countries to integrate regional as well as global value chains.   
4.147.   For example, it is suggested that Uganda may consider phasing down duties on products 
that it kept out of  the COMESA Free Trade Area as there are no product exclusions in the COMESA 
FTA. 
4.148.   We also believe that EAC should ensure that, as they integrate their economies and remove 
intra-regional impediments to trade, third countries trade with the economic bloc sh ould not be 
disrupted due to NTB 's, Trade Remedies and Standards, amongst others.  
4.149.   The EAC has been actively participating in negotiations of the Tripartite FTA and the 
Continental FTA as a bloc. Their contribution in both these processes, which is aimed at  integrating 
the African market, is commendable.   
4.150.   We expect that their positions in these negotiations should aim to integrate the regions and 
Africa into the global value chains, through rules of origin that are flexible and easy to apply. As a 
customs U nion, the EAC can play an even more important role in building an integrated African 
market which is open to the world.  
4.151.   At the Bilateral level, Mauritius is enhancing its relations with the members of EAC with a 
view to consolidating our existing areas of cooperation and also to exploring new ones.   
4.152.   In this respect, the President of Kenya has been invited to visit Mauritius in the near future. 
The visit will be an excellent opportunity to further strengthen ties with one of the economic powers 
of the East African region and to look into mutually beneficial partnerships.  
4.153.   To conclude, Mauritius wishes a successful Trade Policy Review to the delegation of EAC.  
JAMAICA  
4.154.   Jamaica has enjoyed cordial relations with members of the East African Community for many 
years, also extending to the field of trade, with Kenya being our leading market within the region, 
to date. We look forward to further strengthening the trading relationship with the EAC members in 
the coming years. In addition, Jamaica shares strong bonds o f friendship and cooperation with the 
EAC within the context of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group in which our counties jointly 
participate.  
4.155.   We commend the EAC members on the progress reported since their last review in 2012. 
We note that over the review period, economic growth was recorded in the various countries, largely 
driven by increased public investments in transport and energy infrastructures and strategic policy 
interventions. As net exporters of services, the services sector is the le ading contributor to Gross 
Domestic Product, with focus on transport, travel, tourism and other business services. 
Nevertheless, agriculture remains a key economic driver for these countries,  with the renewable 
energy sector on the rise. We also take note of the efforts to promote greater economic 
diversification in order to build resilience to external economic shocks.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.156.   Positive mention has also been made of the strides made by the EAC members to strengthen 
ongoing reforms aimed at deepening the regional tr ade and economic integration process towards 
the goal of establishing a monetary union by 2024. In addition, the reports highlight that Kenya, 
Rwanda, and Uganda have deposited their instruments of acceptance in respect of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and that all EAC members have notified their Category A commitments. We 
commend these efforts, as well as the establishment in 2015 of a Regional Trade Facilitation 
Sub-Committee to bolster efforts towards the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agree ment 
and related measures.  
4.157.   In terms of their level of participation in trade and integration within the global economy, it 
has been further noted that the EAC members have also been undertaking measures to strengthen 
their participation with other regional  groupings within Africa, as well as with other external partners. 
With respect to the latter, the conclusion of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between EAC 
members and the European Union in October 2014 has secured duty -free and quota -free access for 
EAC exports to the EU market. At the same time, strong trade and investment relations have been 
preserved with the US, with all EAC members eligible for trade preferences under the U.S. African 
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and the signing of a Tr ade and Investment Framework 
Agreement (TIFA) in 2008.  
4.158.   Jamaica is firmly of the view that collectively these efforts should not only result in the 
enhanced competitiveness and participation of your economies in the multilateral trading system 
but will furt her serve as a conduit through which the inclusive and sustainable growth and 
development of your countries and region can be effectively pursued.  
4.159.   In closing, we wish to once again commend the East African Community delegations of 
Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya on the work done and best wishes for a positive 
review.  
INDIA  
4.160.   The East African Community covers an area of 1.8 million kilometres with a population of 
179.2 million and a combined GDP of USD 170.9 billion in 2017. The economies of the E AC vary in 
size with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda accounting for more than 90% of the share in GDP. The 
performance of East African Community countries has been relatively strong during the period with 
an average GDP growth rate exceeding 5%, with some fluct uations in member countries, from 
2011-17 driven by public investments in infrastructure, favourable commodity prices and a growing 
service sector. Except Kenya, all member countries of EAC are in the low-income  category of the 
World Bank classification. T he EAC countries also face various socio -economic challenges including 
dependence of a large percentage of population living in rural areas on agriculture, infrastructural 
challenges, need to diversify the economic base, addressing socio -economic indicator s and 
promoting investment. We commend the efforts of the East African Community countries to address 
these challenges which include progressing on their integration agenda to establish a customs union, 
a common market, a monetary union and ultimately a po litical federation of the East African states. 
Some member countries have also adopted long and medium -term development strategies which 
include Kenya 's Vision 2030. Rwanda 's Vision 2020 to be updated to 2050; Tanzania 's Vision 2025 
and Uganda 's Vision 204 0. 
4.161.   India shares close, warm and friendly relations with all the member countries of the East 
African Community. Our relations are multi -faceted with regular political and economic exchanges 
and presence of a vibrant Indian community in the region contribut ing to the economic development 
of these countries. Let me briefly touch upon India 's economic and trade relations with the member 
countries:  
• India is the largest trading partner of Tanzania with bilateral trade of USD 2.14 billion in 2017; 
India is amongs t the key trading partners of Kenya with the total bilateral trade of 
USD 2.05 billion in 2017 -18; with Uganda our trade is USD 588 million; with Rwanda, our 
bilateral trade stood at USD 95 million in 2017 and with Burundi, the bilateral trade stood at 
USD 56 million in 2017.  
• Visits of business delegations including from Chambers of Commerce between India and the 
countries of the East African Community are growing.  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  • There is considerable potential to promote trade between India and the member states of the 
East African Community in areas including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petroleum products, 
automobiles, electrical machinery, agricultural products, metals and other goods.  
• India is also engaged to deepen its regional trading arrangements with the East African 
Community.  
4.162.   An important pillar of our relations with Africa is development partnership cooperation. We 
have a consultative partnership to assist countries to pursue th eir development objectives based on 
sharing of development experiences and focussed on addressing priorities and needs of the 
countries. Our development partnership has deepened in recent years with the three India -Africa 
Forum Summits with projects being implemented for cooperation in areas of infrastructure, 
development, agriculture, irrigation, transport, health, power and IT. While time does not permit to 
enumerate the details, India has a comprehensive 5-year plan for enhancing the development 
assistan ce to Africa, which includes USD 10 billion in concessional line of credit and a grant assistance 
of USD 600 million. In the area of capacity building in human resources, India has announced 
50,000  scholarships in the next five years under various programm es for students and professionals 
under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme for African countries. All member 
countries of the EAC are also actively engaged in these initiatives.  
4.163.   Amongst the member countries of EAC, Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and 
Uganda are LDCs. India has always been a supporter of special dispensation for LDCs and provides 
98.2% tariff lines as duty free or preferential access to LDCs with applicable tariff on all cotton lines 
at zero. We have also provided one of the most liberal packages under the services waiver, including 
complete waiver of visa fees on business and employment visas.  
4.164.   Chair, to conclude, the member states of the East African Commun ity are blessed with 
enormous natural resources including in the area of agriculture and have tremendous potential for 
growth. India stands committed to support these countries for pursuing their development goals and 
to deepen our bilateral trade and inve stment ties for mutual benefit. We wish the delegations of 
member countries of the East African Community a productive and successful TPR and will work to 
support quick accession of South Sudan to the WTO.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.165.   The East African Community (EAC) Treat y came into force almost 19 years ago in July 2000 
with an integration agenda anchored on the establishment of a Customs Union, a Common market, 
a Monetary Union, and ultimately a political federation of the East African States.  
4.166.   We recognize the adoption of the East African Monetary Union Protocol (EAMU Protocol) in 
2013, which is a milestone in the region 's integration process as it lays the groundwork for the 
establishment of a monetary union by 2024. We also acknowledge the EAC Vision 2050 and the 5th 
EAC Development Strategy, which lay down the long -term and medium -term perspectives on 
transforming the region into an upper middle -income economy by 2050.  
4.167.   The Philippines notes that five of the six EAC member states are Members of the World Trade 
Organiza tion, while its newest member state (South Sudan) is a WTO observer undergoing the 
accession process, and we are happy to note the first working party session tomorrow which will be 
chaired by the Ambassador of Afghanistan. This strongly demonstrates the c ommitment and 
importance given by the members of the regional group to the multilateral trading system as they 
pursue inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.  
4.168.   EAC WTO Members had a combined GDP estimated at USD  170.9 billion in 2017. The average 
GDP per capita of the EAC countries (excluding South Sudan) was estimated at USD  988 in 2017. 
All countries also consistently recorded annual real GDP growth rates exceeding 5% over the period 
2011 to 2017. This demonstrates the growth potential of  the EAC.  
4.169.   As stated in the EAC Government Report, EAC countries are still faced with the challenge of 
addressing socio -economic constraints such as disease and poverty, but it is worth noting that the 
region is addressing these concerns head -on through pr omotion of regional value chains, proper 
land use, massive investment in agro -processing and manufacturing, as well as sound 
macroeconomic management.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.170.   We encourage the EAC Secretariat and EAC member countries to strengthen and centralize 
economic statistic al monitoring as these are powerful tools to measure inclusive growth and the 
impact of trade liberalization policies.  
4.171.   The Philippines and Kenya trade has been on a growth trend, and the Philippines looks 
forward to expanding trade and investment with the  EAC.  
4.172.   We wish the EAC delegations a successful Trade Policy Review.  
EGYPT 
4.173.   Egypt and the EAC members share historic ties and fraternal bonds that are manifested in 
various fields. In fact, our development pasts are well intertwined as we have a set of unif ied 
objectives and common challenges. In June 2015, Egypt proudly hosted the signing of a tripartite 
free trade agreement in goods involving members of COMESA, EAC and SADC. The agreement was 
concluded with a view to streamline the evolving regional integration processes. These efforts 
recently developed into an ambitiously comprehensive African Continental Free Trade Agreement 
that aims to create a single market for goods and services , as well a s the free movement of persons 
to intensify eco nomic integration in the continent.  
4.174.   I also wish to highlight that Egyptian exports to EAC members increased by around 30% in 
2017 compared to 2010. Also, Egyptian imports from EAC countries have increased by an average 
of 40% across the years under review.  
4.175.   Such trends and figures are proof of the region 's determined strides towards sustained 
growth and development . Egypt is determined to develop commercial relations further with the EAC 
countries.  
4.176.   During the period under review, the EAC WTO Members recorded  strong GDP growth , driven 
by increased public investment in transport and energy infrastructures, and strategic policy 
interventions.  
4.177.   Thanks to its impressive economic performance, Kenya acquired its status of a lower -
middle -income country , as per the Wo rld Bank. We hope other EAC members follow in the plan ned 
growth and development path.  
4.178.   In addition, EAC members scored some promising macroeconomic figures , much of which 
are attribute d to the harmonization of trade -related policies. However, a lot more is aspired in terms 
of trade at the ratio of EAC WTO Members ' trade in goods and services to GDP is estimated at about 
50%, a figure way below the potential of these countries.  
4.179.   The services sector is the main contributor to GDP in all EAC countries. During t he period 
under review, services constructed the pillar of growth and employment in EAC countries. However, 
there is much potential in this sector that yet has to be properly developed.  
4.180.   Agriculture also plays a key role in the economy of all EAC Member Sta tes, not only in terms 
of contribution to GDP, but also with regard to livelihood, food security and foreign exchange 
earnings.  
4.181.   Similar to the services sector, agriculture production was boosted during the period under 
review. Egypt would like to commend E AC members for their joint efforts across many regional 
initiatives to harmonize sectoral policies, mainly in agriculture and services.  
4.182.   One area that accounts for EAC countries ' commitment to the multilateral trading system is 
their keenness on facilitating trade. Indeed, several measures have been taken for this regard in 
recent years, at both national and regional levels with a view to eliminate non -tariff barriers and 
modernize administrative procedures.  
4.183.   We note that the WTO Secretariat report points out that the national investment codes of 
EAC Members had no major restriction s on foreign presence, both local and foreign investors receive WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  the same treatment in terms of incentives. The report continues to praise EAC Members ' 
commitment to transparency, particularly in fulfilling their notification obligation s on several fronts.  
4.184.   Egypt would like to seize this opportunity to express its support for the increased integration 
of all EAC members in the multilate ral trading system. In this regard, we support the accession 
process of South Sudan to the World Trade Organization and we will take part in the first meeting 
of the Working Group that will be held tomorrow.  
4.185.   Finally, Egypt applauds EAC members for achievin g progressive results during the period 
under review , and wishes members of the EAC a very fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
SENEGAL 
4.186.   The delegation of Senegal endorses the statements made by the groups to which our country 
belongs.  
4.187.   The EAC is one of eight Regi onal Economic Communities (RECs) recognized by the 
African  Union (AU) as building blocks that will eventually lead to the construction of the 
African  Economic Community (AEC) on the basis of Agenda 2063.  
4.188.   We therefore welcome the efforts undertaken by the E AC member countries to bolster 
intra-African trade and to better integrate into world trade. The information provided in the EAC and 
Secretariat reports submitted for our consideration sufficiently demonstrates the progress made.  
4.189.   Despite the limited divers ification of their economies, which are still largely dependent on 
commodities, we note that, overall, the region's GDP grew appreciably during the review period 
(2013 -2017), thanks in part to public investment in infrastructure, favourable commodity and o il 
prices and the remarkable development of the services sector.  
4.190.   With regard to trade, Senegal welcomes the EAC member countries' efforts to improve 
intra-community trade while also observing and implementing WTO disciplines. We can point to the 
developmen t of trade -related infrastructure, the progressive elimination of non -tariff barriers 
(NTBs), the harmonization of existing standards and the establishment of a regional standards 
committee, the simplification of customs procedures, the establishment of a Regional Trade 
Facilitation Sub -Committee in 2015, and a regional Authorized Economic Operator programme, 
among other elements. Senegal invites the countries of the region to continue working to further 
strengthen this type of trade.  
4.191.   The EAC countries' joi nt TPR also shows significant progress in other areas, such as 
competition policy and investment, which are in the process of being harmonized.  
4.192.   Senegal would like to encourage the EAC countries on their path to further integration; the 
positive effects of this process will contribute to the realization of the African Continental Free Trade 
Area (AfCFTA), which will serve as the foundation for reinforcing African countries' integration into 
international trade.  
4.193.   In closing, allow me to wish the delegation of the EAC a successful third joint Trade Policy 
Review.  
MOROCCO  
4.194.   This EAC Trade Policy Review is a prime opportunity for all WTO Members seeking to make 
trade more open and, above all, more equitable and inclusive, and we welcome the engagement of 
the EAC mem ber countries in this Review.  
4.195.   The Kingdom of Morocco wishes to commend the EAC members for their positive 
performance, particularly in terms of the economic growth that their strategic interventions have led 
to. 
4.196.   We welcome the EAC members' commitment to mu ltilateralism, as their national investment 
codes are generally liberal, with no major restrictions on foreign presence.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.197.   Furthermore, efforts are being made at the regional level to assist EAC member States in 
implementing the TRIPS Agreement, to provide j ust one example.  
4.198.   We view the positive economic performance as the culmination of policies marked by 
proactivity and increasing liberalization.  
4.199.   The substantial increase in public investments in transport and energy infrastructures is, in 
this regard, remarkable.  
4.200.   We wish to express our support for the EAC's commitment to economic integration. The 
ongoing reform efforts by the EAC countries to establish a monetary union by 2024 are promising, 
as are the policies to promote the Community as a single inves tment area and the joint efforts under 
several regional initiatives, mainly in agriculture and services, their main economic sectors.  
4.201.   The member States are committed to liberalizing a list of services in, inter alia, finance, 
transport, communication, tour ism, and business services across all modes of supply; this will 
certainly be beneficial, as it involves coordinated policies that have been well thought -out. 
4.202.   This region faces considerable challenges that constitute a significant obstacle to 
development. Most of the populations (about 80%) live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for 
their livelihood. In addition, the volume of intra -EAC trade in goods remains relatively low and energy 
costs are high.  
4.203.   The proactive initiatives and policies of EAC memb ers are making inroads in addressing these 
difficulties, but support from international partnerships remains crucial.  
4.204.   We encourage Members and investors to take advantage of the great potential that abounds 
in this strategic region of Africa.  
4.205.   There is trem endous potential in the agro -manufacturing sector given that a large part of 
the population is involved in agriculture; a boost to that sector would lead to the creation of greater 
value added by that population and to economic diversification.  
4.206.   Morocco wis hes its fellow Members from the EAC every success in their Trade Policy Review.  
URUGUAY  
4.207.   Uruguay wishes to extend a most cordial welcome to the delegation of the East African 
Community (EAC) on the occasion of  its third joint Trade Policy Review. This is an exercise that 
enriches the multilateral system by promoting transparency and understanding of the trade policies 
and practices applied by the Members of this Organization.  
4.208.   We would first like to congratulate  the East African Community on its strong economic 
growth, driven by increased public investments in transport and energy infrastructures, the boost to 
agricultural production and buoyant tourism activities.  
4.209.   We note that the national investment regimes are  liberal, with no major restrictions on 
foreign presence, and that local and foreign investors receive the same treatment in terms of 
incentives.  
4.210.   It should be noted that Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda have deposited their instruments of 
acceptance of the Trade F acilitation Agreement and that all EAC WTO Members have notified their 
Category  A commitments. Furthermore, a Regional Trade Facilitation Sub -Committee has been 
established to coordinate the implementation of the TFA and other trade facilitation measures 
decided at the regional level. The EAC countries are also rolling out other trade facilitation initiatives, 
including trade portals, call centres and business development services.  
4.211.   According to the Secretariat report, even though there are several areas whe re notifications 
remain outstanding, the EAC countries continue to fulfil their notification obligations to various 
degrees.  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.212.   We note that a number of export promotion instruments are harmonized within the EAC; 
notable examples include manufacturing under b ond, export processing zones and duty remission 
schemes. Goods benefiting from any of these schemes are destined primarily for export and export 
diversification.  
4.213.   Despite the fact that standards and technical regulations regimes remain country -specific to 
a large extent, harmonization efforts are ongoing at the regional level. On SPS, harmonized 
measures and procedures have been developed for plants; mammals, birds and bees; fishery 
products; and food safety. Furthermore, we note that several measures have b een notified by 
EAC countries in the areas of SPS and TBT.  
4.214.   We highlight the efforts being made at the regional level to assist EAC member States to 
implement the TRIPS Agreement with a view to promoting copyright and cultural industries, 
traditional knowle dge, geographical indications, and technology transfer.  
4.215.   We also welcome the East African Industrialization Strategy, which aims, inter alia, to 
enhance productivity, expand trade in manufacturing and transform MSMEs into sustainable 
business entities. Simi larly noteworthy are the business facilitation reforms in the EAC countries that 
aim to improve the customs processing system, deploy infrastructure, establish a national electronic 
Single Window, introduce electronic declaration and roll out authorized ec onomic operators.  
4.216.   Finally, at the multilateral level, we share the EAC countries' commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and their views on the importance of continuing to foster the effective participation 
of developing countries in the multilatera l negotiations.  
4.217.   Uruguay wishes the East African Community every success in its third joint Trade Policy 
Review.  
GABON  
4.218.   The EAC and WTO Secretariat reports note that, on average, the EAC economies grew 5% 
between 2013 and 2017. This good economic performance  is attributed, on the one hand, to strong 
private household consumption and, on the other, to public investment in infrastructure and growth 
in the agricultural sector.  
4.219.   Agriculture alone accounted for 41% of the region's GDP growth in 2017. It is noted as  well 
that the industrial sector also contributes to GDP growth in the region.  
4.220.   However, higher world commodity prices were one of the main causes of the rise in inflation, 
which increased from 6.1% in 2013 to 8% in 2017.  
4.221.   My country is pleased to note the E AC countries' efforts to create a common currency by 
2024. The countries' adoption in 2013 of the East African Monetary Union (EAMU) Protocol illustrates 
their ever greater desire for integration.  
4.222.   Similarly, my delegation commends the ambition of the EAC m embers to graduate from least 
developed country (LDC) to upper -middle -income country status through the adoption of a number 
of measures, such as the Vision 2050 programme, adopted in March  2016.  
4.223.   Furthermore, the delegation of Gabon welcomes the EAC countr ies' ratification of the 
Trade  Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and their dedication and commitment to the Doha Development 
Agenda (DDA), which is so fundamental to the establishment of a competitive and equitable 
multilateral trading system.  
4.224.   My country apprec iates its excellent cooperative relationships with each of the EAC countries. 
The purpose of these relationships is to create fresh momentum through, for example, community 
initiatives and projects.  
4.225.   Finally, my delegation wishes the East African Community every success in its Review.  
  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  BENIN 
4.226.   The delegation of Benin would like to highlight the commitment of the five States. We 
appreciate their efforts and their achievements in promoting international trade as a driver of 
development and an instrument for building regional integration.  
4.227.   We are pleased to note that the EAC and its member States were able to raise the average 
GDP growth rate to 6% between 2013 and 2017. They are making significant investments in physical 
infrastructure and service activities a nd are implementing initiatives to diversify the goods and 
services in intra -EAC trade. They are also working to continue improving the business environment 
through a policy of openness, the implementation of national development plans in the different 
countries, and the priorities set out in the Community's medium -term policy framework.  
4.228.   The delegation of Benin also appreciates the prudent management of the external debt and 
the member States' determined efforts in the area of trade facilitation through the  tools and 
instruments put in place, such as improvements to the customs processing system, the development 
of multimodal transport infrastructure, one -stop border posts, and an electronic system for 
declaration, document processing and payment of customs duties and taxes.  
4.229.   The efforts to industrialize and make use of information and communication technologies are 
also worth highlighting, as these factors contribute to the key objective of promoting the digital 
economy so as to  enhance and expand performance in various economic areas and business sectors.  
4.230.   The delegation of Benin appreciates the important contribution made by the EAC member 
States to the negotiating work done at the WTO, in different working groups, formats and 
configurations, and also on the ground, in the African region, particularly in relation to the creation 
of the Continental Free Trade Area and the construction of the African Common Market.  
4.231.   We urge WTO Members to continue supporting the efforts and achievem ents of the 
EAC member States with a view to the realization of the States' goals of sustainable and inclusive 
economic development.  
4.232.   The delegation of Benin reiterates its commitment to continuing its excellent working 
relationship with its EAC counterpart s. 
4.233.   We would like to conclude by wishing the EAC member States a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.234.   As the Secretariat report indicates, we commend all EAC countries for their positive economic  
performances at an annual GDP growth rates over 5% between 2011 and 2017, it is evident that 
substantial policy efforts and reforms have been made since last review in 2012, despite the 
differences of each Members ' economy. We encourage all EAC countries to keep on necessary 
reforms of their institutional and legal framework on the basis of transparency, stability and 
sustainable development to achieve growth and reduce poverty.  
4.235.   We also commend the considerable efforts made by EAC members to promote regio n's 
socio-economic transformation and development illustrated in "EAC Vision 2050 ". The 
implementation of the EAC Development Strategy help facilitate the regional integration by 
consolidating the Customs Union and the Common Market, as well as making tran sitional measures 
and legislation to achieve the Monetary Union by 2024. Although currently the intra -EAC trade 
accounts only a relatively small part of its total merchandise trade. But together with other regional 
arrangements such as the EAC -COMESA -SADC Tripartite FTA, a closer economic integration in Africa 
would help improve the trading environment and attract investment. We encourage the EAC 
countries to keep continue the harmonization of the relevant administrative procedures and 
trade -related policie s.  
4.236.   We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the EAC members for 
their active participation and constructive engagement in the regular work of WTO. And we join 
others to encourage the EAC members to timely implement their oblig ations including the WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  outstanding notifications, and urge Burundi and Tanzania to ratify the TFA soon. We hope to see 
EAC Members to be benefited from the Multilateral Trading System and be committed to the 
strengthening of system in this critical time.  
4.237.   On the bilateral front, the trade flow and economic cooperation between EAC members and 
my government have much room for growth, we are willing to search for opportunities to expand 
our trade volume in fields of agricultural, tourism and manufacturing produc ts. In addition, we look 
forward to possible cooperation under the framework of the WTO Aid -for-Trade scheme and trade -
related technical assistance initiatives.  
4.238.   In conclusion, we would like to once again commend the ECA for their achievements and the 
way forward. Also, thank you Amb assador  Laourou for your excellent Chairmanship. We wish the 
EAC delegation a successful review.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.239.   As the report by the Secretariat has shown, the East African Community constitutes a 
formidable undertaking, which - once completed - would go a long way towards contributing to the 
prosperity of its member States. Most members of the East African Community are also founding 
Members of the WTO. Some basic prerequisites for dynamic trade relations either within the 
Communit y or with the outside world would thus appear to be in place.  
4.240.   It is striking to observe, however, that intra -community trade is rather modest, finding it 
difficult to reach figures exceeding 10 % of the total merchandise trade of the EAC. To be sure, trade  
relations with many WTO Members are more extensive, especially when taking services into account. 
But they are also stagnating.  
4.241.   Many factors must be at play here. The authorities of the Community have rightly identified 
manufacturing as a key sector holding out the promise of greater trade potential. The Community 
can only be encouraged to continue on its reform path aimed at creating a better business 
environment. Experiences made by other economies suggest that an overall improvement of the 
framewor k conditions under which all sectors operate on a level playing field is probably most 
conducive to a successful outcome.  
4.242.   The EAC has indeed embarked on an ambitious agenda. The consolidation of the customs 
union is to be followed by the creation of a comm on market. A monetary union with a common 
currency is to crown these developments. The problems to overcome in such a far -reaching project 
are manifold as similar efforts in other places have demonstrated. Convergence of various measures, 
provisions and in dicators if not outright harmonization seem to be needed to make such a community 
work.  
4.243.   Various reports indicate that much has already been accomplished. More needs to be done. 
The application of the common external tariff, for example, allows for exceptio ns. Some members 
of the Community make ample use of this flexibility which — amongst other things — undermines 
the uniformity and predictability of the common code.  
4.244.   Non-tariff barriers continue to pose a challenge. Their elimination or the unremitting 
harmonization of standards would give a boost not only to intra -EAC trade but to trade relations 
with the world at large.  
4.245.   Most difficult must be the convergence of macroeconomic fundamentals to move towards 
monetary union. A policy of fiscal prudence will be i ndispensable to achieve that objective. Smaller 
fiscal deficits could also reduce the significant reliance on the collection of customs duties and other 
levies at the border, which today ensure solid tax revenues for members of the Community. Smaller 
deficits could in turn create space for lower tariffs.  
4.246.   For Switzerland already enjoys mutually beneficial trade relations with the EAC. Yet much 
potential remains untapped.  
4.247.   To conclude, Switzerland wishes the delegations of the East African Community a successf ul 
outcome of this Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  TRINIDAD  AND  TOBAGO  
4.248.   We consider it a privilege to be involved in this joint Review and our involvement today 
reflects the importance we hold for the East African region. We are optimistic about the prospects 
for econ omic growth and development in the Region and are pleased that the East African 
Community (EAC) countries have maintained an open economy in their efforts to foster such growth.  
4.249.   Trinidad and Tobago applauds the countries under review for their efforts to t ransform the 
community into a prosperous area through deeper regional integration. We welcome the fact that 
the East African region maintained an average economic growth of 5% over the period 2013 -17. Of 
particular note is the growth of the economy of Buru ndi from a position of negative growth of about 
3.9% in 2015 to positive growth of about 1.7% 2017.  
4.250.   We have taken note of the national development plans highlighted for this review namely 
Kenya 's Vision 2030; Rwanda 's Vision 2020 being revised to 2050, Tan zania's Vision 2025 and 
Uganda 's Vision 2040 and wish each country a successful implementation. We are encouraged that 
East African Community countries have rolled out the implementation of various trade facilitation 
initiatives covered by the community la ws including the Treaty establishing the East African 
Community, the Customs Union Protocol, Customs Management Act, Common Market Protocol.  
4.251.   We commend the improvements in the Doing Business environment among the East African 
Community countries and we wis h to congratulate the countries on the business facilitation reforms 
including:  
• improved customs processing system;  
• trade facilitating infrastructure including Standard Gauge Railway, One -Stop Border Posts, 
electronic cargo tracking;   
• establishment of national electronic Single Window;   
• introduction of electronic declaration, document processing and payment of customs duties 
and taxes; and  
• rollout of authorized economic operators.  
4.252.   Trinidad and Tobago is keen to explore opportunities to enhance the coll aboration with East 
African countries particularly in the oil and gas sector. We look forward to building the bilateral 
relationships with the EAC Countries.  
4.253.   Through you Chair, Trinidad and Tobago wishes the countries of the East African  Community, 
a succ essful Trade Policy Review.  
CHAD  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC  GROUP  
4.254.   Since the establishment of the EAC and its customs union in 2005 and the introduction of a 
common market in 2010, the members of the Community (that is, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, 
South  Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda) have consistently sought to deepen their economic, social and 
political integration.  
4.255.   Many reforms have been undertaken under national strategic plans, with specific short - or 
medium -term development goals involving different sectors an d different infrastructural and 
institutional issues. All the reforms contemplated today and through 2030 are aimed, ultimately, at 
strengthening regional integration and, at the same time, developing export capacities beyond the 
intra-EAC area – in other words, to the rest of the world.  
4.256.   Looking ahead, the East African Community aims to bring about a combined customs union, 
common market, monetary union, and political federation where common political, economic, social 
and cultural objectives, as well as ob jectives relating to research, technology, security and legal 
affairs, can be defined.  
4.257.   The EAC is today one of the most active regional economic communities in Africa, with a 
relatively large share of intra -regional trade, amounting to nearly 20% in 2017.  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.258.   With respect to the level of economic growth in the EAC over recent years and during the 
review period (from 2013 to 2017), the average rate of GDP growth was 6%. This clearly robust 
growth was mainly due to increased private consumption and to public inve stment in road, rail and 
electricity infrastructure.  
4.259.   In order to strengthen its economic foundation, its regional integration and its integration 
into world trade, the East African Community is planning several initiatives to promote trade and 
trade facili tation and to improve the business environment. This will, among other things, enhance 
the free movement both of the factors of production and of people.  
4.260.   The reforms envisaged should also have the effect of improving the region's investment 
attractiveness in agro -processing, oil and gas, mineral processing, tourism, financial services, 
telecommunications and transport.  
4.261.   The reforms planned by the East African Community also aim to develop the potential of 
sectors that are key for the region, such as agricult ure, livestock and fisheries, forestry, 
manufacturing and energy, among others.  
4.262.   The EAC member countries present a clear vision of their goal of integrating into world trade 
through a process of regional consolidation. This is a relevant and rational appro ach that is in line 
with the multilateral trade rules developed at the WTO.  
4.263.   The EAC is also a community of countries that firmly supports the preservation of a 
transparent, inclusive and fair multilateral trading system that allows LDCs to integrate more e asily 
and quickly into the world trade market, in keeping with the founding principles of the 
Marrakesh  Agreement.  
4.264.   To conclude, Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group, wishes the member countries of the 
East African Community every success in their economic and political reforms and initiatives and in 
their Trade Policy Review.  
AFGHANISTAN  
4.265.   Afghanistan is pleased to attend today 's meeting and offers its congratulations to all East 
African Community members for their third joint Trade Policy Review meeting, and com mends the 
EAC member  States presenting their joint trade policy report and the constant economic growth rate 
in the recent years.  
4.266.   On a personal note, as the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan and the Chair of the 
Working Party on the Accession of Sout h Sudan, the latest member of EAC and the latest applicant 
to the WTO, I would like to cordially invite all WTO Members and the distinguished capital -based 
delegates from the EAC to attend the historic and the first meeting of the Working Party on the 
Accession of South Sudan, which is planned for tomorrow, 21 March 2019 at 10 AM in Room D.  
4.267.   In conclusion, I wish the esteemed EAC delegations a very successful and productive Trade 
Policy Review.  
MOZAMBIQUE  
4.268.   Mozambique congratulates the EAC countries and Governments for their level of deepening 
the regional efforts envisaging economic and social development. Notwithstanding being challenging 
moments, it is very much encouraging to see the tremendous efforts made by both countries 
internal ly and regionally , through the adoption of reforms that aim to broade n the economic basis , 
envisaging diversification and progress in the different economic and social spheres , thanks to which 
the growth of 5% was testimony.  
4.269.   Mozambique notes with satisfaction that, among ot hers, specific vision programmes were 
adopted  as transformative agenda , bearing in mind more inclusiveness, progress and prosperity , 
with the aim to create opportunities for all, various strategic objectives, construction of more 
innovative, competitive an d dynamic econom ies. WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.270.   Additionally, all the actions inten d to promote the private sector growth, business 
environment, investment and productivity of the strategic and potential sectors, intellectual property 
development, tourism, industrial development, in frastructure development, to mention some.  
4.271.   The strategies for growth and poverty reduction emphasize the relevance of regional effort 
to maintain macroeconomic stability and growth, good performance, improvement , and strong 
reduction of unemployment and po verty, including more objectives which will be enabling elements 
for business environment, economic and diversification of the economy.  
4.272.   My delegation recognizes that , although facing different challenges and fragilities, these 
brother countries are strong , courageous, and highly determined. Thus, it is our view that if provided 
with multiple assistance, all the countries can succeed in implementing the different policies, 
strategies and programmes, and gradually accelerate the economic development , so to be  able to 
take more advantage in participating in the global trading system.  
4.273.   These show the numerous opportunities for investment , and we call upon developed and 
developing Member partners, the private sector investors, partners and other investment countri es 
to direct their resources, provide technical assistance and also invest in EAC countries in order to 
help to foster and promote growth and prosperity. The WTO and other international organizations 
and agencies can also play a crucial role in this regard . 
4.274.   To conclude, I thank you for your attention and I would like to take this opportunity to wish 
the EAC countries a successful Trade Policy Review.  
UGANDA  (H.E.  MS. AMELIA  ANNE  KYAMBADDE ) 
4.275.   I thank the Chair for giving us an opportunity to read my statement today because of an 
emergency that I have to attend to Uganda . 
4.276.   I thank you for joining us today for the third Joint Trade Policy Review of the East African 
Countries. We appreciate the observations made in preparation for our review.  
4.277.   I do commend H.E. Dr A thalia Lesiba Molokomme, Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of Botswana,  who is our discussant for her report. We shall endeavour to rectify the 
challenges  highlighted in her presentation . 
4.278.   As far as Uganda 's Trade Policy achievements and future aspira tions are concerned, I will 
focus on the responses made in preparation for our review in the third Joint EAC Trade Policy review.  
4.279.   Uganda, with a population of 40 million people , is a land -linked country with a GDP growth 
of 5.6%. Our economy majorly depend s on the export of agricultural commodities although services 
and industrial production has recently increased over the years.  
4.280.   Our country is one of the founding Members of the World Trade Organi zation and during this 
third joint EAC Review, we opt to demo nstrate our national commitment to the multilateral trading 
system and its impact on Uganda 's development trends.  
4.281.   In 2017/18, Uganda 's exports increased by 7.23%, to US D 2.89 billion from the previous 
financial year 2016/17 of US D 2.696 billion. Imports a lso increased by 16.42%, to US D 5.48 billion 
from the previous financial year 2016/17of US D 4.71 billion. The COMESA trading bloc remained the 
main destination for Uganda 's formal exports with the share in total export earnings of 51.32% 
(USD 1,483.72 mill ion) in 2017/18.  
4.282.   Uganda has been a key mover in driving regional integration. Recently, we handed over our 
EAC Chairmanship to Rwanda and currently chairing the wider African Continental Free Trade Area. 
On 21 March 2018, during the 10th Extraordinary Sess ion of the Assembly of AfCFTA in Kigali 
Rwanda, Uganda signed the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area and we 
have already ratified in October 2018.  
4.283.   Since the last TPR in 2012, Uganda has registered a number of achievements in the  area of 
trade facilitation, export promotion, value addition, cooperative development and many other areas. WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  A number of interventions have been made to address the country 's widening trade deficit. Notably, 
is the National Export Development Strategy  (NEDS) . The NEDS implementation is expected to 
reduce the trade deficit , increase Uganda 's export values and market share in key priority markets.  
4.284.   Some of these changes have been notified at the WTO, more particularly those relating to 
technical barriers to trade and TFA ratification. A National notification committee was constituted 
last year to address all outstanding notification by the end of 2019.  
4.285.   In 2017, Uganda ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and the notification of its 
Category A. We  are in the last stages of finalizing categories B  and C identification and subsequent 
notification. We are committed  to improve customs procedures by implementing a series of customs 
reforms to create a web -based paperless system of customs clearance.  
4.286.   The Ministry of Trade in collaboration with other stakeholders continues to implement the 
Electronic Single Window system, a trade facilitation initiative aimed at reducing the time it takes to 
clear goods. The system was established to address the delays in  the clearance of goods , which was 
affecting the business community in Uganda and East Africa at large. The system has cut clearance 
time for imports and exports by over 25%.  
4.287.   Furthermore, the Government of Uganda, with support from development partners lau nched 
a One -Stop Portal for export, import and transit information in Uganda. It is an online platform where 
all the information regarding export, import and transit of goods in Uganda is available to traders, 
government agencies and all interested parties . The portal so far covers 25 institutions, 10 products 
and procedures for 6 key border markets.  
4.288.   Uganda has operationalized five Border Export Zones and implemented the Simplified Trade 
Regime for cross Border traders. A programme supported by EU under COM ESA Regional Integration 
Implementation Programme (RIIP). Similarly, the Government of Uganda, through support from 
World Bank and TMEA, has constructed 8 Border Posts at Busia, Mutukula, Malaba, Elegu, Mirama 
Hills, Mpondwe, Goli and Katuna. Other infrast ructure include Power dam construction at Karuma 
and Isimba and the establishment of industrial and export process zones. The Government is 
commitment to expanding the road networks and the Standard Gauge.  
4.289.   In July 2017, the Ugandan Government approved a N ational Policy on Services Trade with 
the aim of boosting trade in services and causing a reduction in the trade deficit. It is hoped that 
the implementation of the policy will contribute significantly towards growth of export values by 
USD 5000 million, a nnually over the next five years. This growth is projected to be realized through 
the implementation of the policy in the following priority sectors: tourism, transport, distribution, 
education, business services, construction and related engineering servi ces, insurance, among 
others.  
4.290.   The Ministry of Trade, with support from Trademark East Africa, has continued to implement 
a web based Non -Tariff Barrier Reporting System that has helped in easing and enabling the 
reporting and resolution of NTBs among trade  facilitating institutions.  
4.291.   This, in turn has reduced on the delays and costs of moving goods in and outside of Uganda 
across trading member States. Currently, 86% resolution of all NTBs reported through the system 
reducing movement of goods from Mombasa to Kampala from 21 days in 2011 to 4 days in 2018. 
To report by mobile phone, the user dials USSD Code *201# and follows instructions to select the 
appropriate NTB to report, and then submits a complaint. The system can be accessed using any 
type of teleph one handset on any network registered in Uganda from anywhere in the world on 
roaming facility.  
4.292.   As a country, we are committed to industrial productivity and employment creation for the 
youth. The industrialization of Uganda 's economy will be transformed t o a sustainable path of 
economic growth. The Government is reviewing the Industrial Policy and Strategy to accommodate 
new developments in the sector.   
4.293.   The Ministry established an MSME Directorate to oversee the growth of MSME enterprises 
who account for 95% of the business establishments in Uganda, with a majority (57%) of these 
operating in the Trading sector.   WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  4.294.   MSMEs have been aided in value addition to enhance their export capacities and skills 
development. An SME Policy and strategy was developed to g uide development of this sector.  
4.295.   Given the current projections, the country is unlikely to achieve its target for the NDP2 and 
a new target is being developed in the ongoing preparations for National Development Plan 3.  
4.296.   The Government of Uganda will ensure  that the National Development Plan III priorities the 
Trade sector and consolidates the budget frameworks on ongoing initiatives to facilitate trade and 
industrial development. We look forward to continued support from our development partners.  
  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE SPOKESPERSON  OF THE EAC MEMB ER COUNTRIES  AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  
5.1.  I would like to thank all the Members present for the interest they have shown in the third EAC 
Trade Policy Review and for their valuable contributions to the reports produced by the WTO 
Secretariat, the EAC Secretariat and our Governments.  
5.2.  It is my plea sure to provide a summary of responses to the comments and questions raised 
during the first session as well as the issues related to EAC 's economic environment, trade and 
investment policies, while at the same time pointing to the sector specific policies  that were raised 
in advance and during this review . 
Economic environment  
5.3.  The EAC economies have maintained solid growth in recent years, with an annual average 
growth rate of 5.5% between 2013 and 2017, more than double the African average. Over this 
period, inflation remained low and stable across the region. The EAC is expected to sustain this 
robust growth in 2019. Whilst the EAC had the second largest share on intra -regional trade compared 
to other African regional economic communities, this is still q uite low when compared to other 
developing economies.  
5.4.  In order to boost intra -regional trade, the EAC has embarked on processes aimed at diversifying 
production structures to meet regional demand. Structural diversification in EAC is engineered and 
accele rated through the judicious use of industrial policy and the provision of the right set of 
incentives to the private sector. In that regard , the EAC has adopted an Industrialization Policy and 
Implementation Strategy (2012 –2032) whose overall goal is susta inable economic and social 
development in East Africa. The strategy will contribute to the creation of a competitive private 
sector, supported by an enabling business environment for the establishment of a single market and 
investment area that would be in ternationally competitive. The following outcomes are expected 
from implementation of the strategy :  
• Diversifying the manufacturing base and raising value addition of locally available resources 
prior to exports to 40 % by 2032 from the currently estimated value of 8.6%;  
• Strengthening national and regional institutional frameworks and capabilities for industrial 
policy design and implementation , and delivery of support services to ensure sustainable 
industrialization in the region;  
• Strengthening Research and Development, Technology and Innovation capabilities to facilitate 
structural transformation of the manufacturing sector and upgrading of production systems;  
• Increasing the contribution of intra -regional manufacturing exports relative to total 
manufactured  imports, currently at 5 % to about 25 % by 2032 , and extra regional 
manufacturing exports, currently at 32 % to over 50 % by 2032; and  
• Transforming Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises into viable and sustainable business 
entities capable of contributing at l east 50 % of manufacturing Gross Domestic Product.  
5.5.  The EAC Industrialization Strategy has selected six priority industries as the ones with potential 
comparative advantage within the region: iron-ore and other mineral processing; fertilizers and 
agrochemica ls; pharmaceuticals; petro -chemicals and gas processing; agro -processing; and energy 
and bio -fuels.  
5.6.  In order to mobilize resources for the implementation of the EAC comprehensive trade related 
programme, the EAC has implemented an Aid for Trade Strategy 2 016-2020 which focuses on 
trade -related infrastructure, trade development, trade facilitation, and regulatory measures as well 
as on access to mechanisms for addressing the challenges emanating from trade. Under the specific 
objectives of the EAC Aid for T rade Strategy, a number of related results have been recorded.  
5.7.  Questions were also raised on the elimination of trade related impediments through non-tariff 
barriers (NTBs) in the EAC region. While the implementation of the existing mechanisms has resulted WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  in a substantial decline in NTBs, some core NTBs still persist, mostly affecting agricultural trade. The 
implementation of the EAC NTBs Act 2017 will strengthen the resolut ion process. The strengthened 
oversight of the implementation of the NTBs elimination mechanism through bilateral, Ministerial 
and Summit interventions will ensure the full implementation of the EAC Time Bound Programme on 
elimination of NTBs and thus redu ce their negative impact on regional trade and investment.  
5.8.  Several issues were raised on multiple memberships of EAC Partner States to the different 
Regional Economic Communities. This observation arises from the fact that Burundi, Kenya, Uganda 
and Rwand a belong to COMESA while the United Republic of Tanzania is a member of SADC. As we 
informed the Trade Policy Review Body during the opening session, the EAC partner States have 
successfully negotiated the Tripartite (TFTA) and the African Continental Free  Trade Area (AfCFTA) 
Agreements on goods as a bloc. Through the implementation of the Tripartite FTA, the EAC aims to 
resolve the issue of multiple membership by adopting harmonized rules across all the three Regional 
Economic Communities in COMESA, EAC an d SADC.  
5.9.  On the issue of notification, the EAC partner States have faced challenges in making timely 
notifications to the WTO due to inadequate capacity in various agencies. This is an area that needs 
technical assistance and capacity building to improve n otification requirements under different WTO 
agreements.  
5.10.   The EAC is in the process of reviewing its Common External Tariff and will address the 
concerns raised on tariffs and other related trade policy matters.  
Trade and investment policies  
5.11.   EAC partner States have placed emphasis on addressing impediments faced through trade 
facilitation challenges. Since 2013 there have been improvements in the doing business environment 
among the EAC partner States. In order to further improve on the business en vironment, the EAC 
has prioritized the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).  
5.12.   As a result, the region has adopted a Regional Action Plan on implementation of the WTO TFA. 
Project proposals that need donor support outlining key imple mentation issues have been developed.  
5.13.   In addition, the EAC partner States are rolling out other trade facilitation initiatives including 
Trade Information Portals whose objective is to support and monitor the implementation of national 
and regional trade facilitation agendas.  
5.14.   The EAC is also finalizing its Export Promotion Strategy 2019 -2023 and the External Trade 
Policy. The Export Promotion Strategy is built on the four pillars, namely production, marketing, 
business environment, and institutional and c apacity building.  
5.15.   Furthermore, the EAC External Trade Policy will ensure that the external trade policies of 
partner States are compatible with and reinforce the Common Market. The implementation of the 
EAC Trade policy will contribute to the competitiven ess of all partner States and also further enhance 
the environment for value addition for all producers, including MSMEs.  
5.16.   The EAC recognizes the importance of harmonizing policies and laws on domestic taxes and 
has developed a domestic tax harmonization po licy. This is intended to facilitate the free movement 
of goods, services, and capital, and the promotion of both domestic and foreign investments within 
the Community.  
5.17.   Standards development and implementation are crucial aspects for trade promotion in th e 
EAC. The EAC Standards, Quality, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act and its regulations provides for 
trade facilitation infrastructure in respect of trade in goods. The EAC has harmonized, adopted and 
implemented over 1,500 standards under the 80 different  sectors in support of trade and protection 
of consumer health, safety and the environment. The EAC is in the process of harmonizing additional 
standards.  
5.18.   The EAC is committed to liberalization of trade in services in a progressive manner. EAC 
partner Stat es finalized revising their schedules of Commitments on the progressive liberalization of 
services, which include commitments on at least 78 services sub -sectors. Draft regulations on WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  movement of services and services suppliers are almost finalized. In add ition, EAC partner States 
are drafting a mechanism for removal of restrictions on Trade in Services. In addition, Mutual 
Recognition Agreements (MRAs) covering recognition of academic and professional qualifications 
have been agreed for accountants, archit ects, engineers and veterinarians.  
5.19.   In order to ensure that the EAC Trade Regime serves the interest and promotes the welfare 
of all its citizens, gender considerations have been incorporated in its policy framework. In this 
regard, the EAC has taken severa l measures including:  
• Implementation of the 50 Million African Women Speak Networking Platform Project which is 
supported by the African Development Bank;  
• A simplified guide for Micro and Small -Scale Women Cross Border Traders and Service 
Providers in the East African Community (EAC); and,  
• Simplified Trade Regime (STR) which is a special trade policy provision which carves out 
specific provisions for small cross border traders, the majority of whom are women.  
Sectoral policies  
5.20.   The EAC has developed instruments to enhance productivity through the Agriculture and Rural 
Development Policy and Strategy (2005 -2030); the EAC Food and Nutrition Security Policy and  
Action Plan (2018 -2022); the Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP) - 2019-2026 and the 
Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP). The Regional Agriculture 
Investment Plan will be the main instrument for mobilizing resources to support implementation of 
various programmes in the agricultural sector.  
5.21.   EAC partner States have developed a Protocol for cooperation on Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
related measures, which is in the process of being ratified. Furthermore, the EAC SPS Bill h as been 
developed to enforce implementation of the SPS Protocol. These instruments will serve as the basis 
for harmonization of SPS measures. In terms of institutional framework for implementing the SPS 
harmonization programme, a regional SPS Committee wil l be established.  
5.22.   In addition, m ining is an important sector of growth in EAC Region. In this respect, policy, 
legal and regulatory frameworks that govern the mining sector across the region are being reviewed 
with a view to putting in place better impleme ntable instruments that cater for equitable benefits to 
investors and the respective economies.  
5.23.   In conclusion, I wish to reiterate that the East African Community aspires to attain a 
prosperous, competitive, secure and politically united region. The EAC i s therefore committed to 
implement further economic policy reforms and develop infrastructure with a view to improving the 
business environment in the region. The EAC invites all WTO Members to invest in the region and 
take advantage of the improved policy  environment and all available investment opportunities in the 
manufacturing and services sectors such as in ICT, finance, insurance, tourism, renewable energy, 
infrastructure (railway, roads and ports), as well as in agro -processing and mining.  Thank you for 
your kind attention.  
H.E.  MR. JEAN  MARIE  NIYOKINDI  (BURUNDI)  
5.24.   It is a great honour and pleasure to address the distinguished body reviewing the trade policies 
of the countries of our East African Community. I am delighted to be here.  
5.25.   I would first like to thank all the ambassadors and representatives of WTO Member countries 
who spoke at the opening of this Trade Policy Review, as their statements provided reassurance and 
encouragement to the members of our East African Community. For us, this is a testam ent to a 
highly commendable solidarity among the Members of the World Trade Organization.  
5.26.   As this is the first WTO Trade Policy Review that I have participated in, I can tell you 
unequivocally that I have been very pleased with the methodology put in place  by the WTO to 
monitor its Members' trade policies. This methodology is irrefutable proof of the sustainability and WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  proper functioning of our Organization. It is, in effect, an international audit that seeks to examine 
trade policies and practices while em phasizing the values of transparency and predictability.  
5.27.   In the case of Burundi, the Review was able to point to areas where my country meets the 
requirements and we were commended by the reviewers. However, they also encouraged us to fulfil 
our obligation s in other areas, including, to name just a few examples, ratification of the 
Trade  Facilitation Agreement, Category B and C notifications under the Trade Facilitation Agreement, 
other notifications (for example, under TRIPS) and the application of tariffs  higher than WTO bound 
rates.  
5.28.   In responding to this call, I can inform you that we have taken ownership of these obligations 
and reassure you that this third EAC Trade Policy Review has been a step in our learning process 
and has enabled us to develop a fi rm grasp of our trade policy obligations.  
5.29.   Taking into account  what I have just said, if any Member finds that any of the questions it put 
to Burundi have not yet been answered, we apologize; the replies will be sent as soon as the entities 
with the required expertise in the area have been consulted so that the corre ct response can be 
obtained.  
5.30.   I would also like to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with our partners at the WTO, 
which brings together almost 90% of the world's countries, to solicit your assistance so that we can 
take advantage of the opportunit ies available to our country. Burundi lacks investors in several 
areas, including industry and trade, and there is very little investment in agriculture (coffee, tea, 
fruit, other agricultural products suitable for the tropical climate, etc.), fisheries, m ining, energy, 
transport and infrastructure, and other services sectors such as tourism and finance.  
5.31.   It also goes without saying that our country has a very attractive investment code and 
facilitates the creation of enterprises in less than one day. Consid ering that WTO Members contribute 
to the goal of poverty reduction, I invite them to contribute to investment promotion in Burundi, 
which has been a WTO Member since July 1995; our country will be delighted to welcome them.  
5.32.   In concluding, I would like to t hank all the ambassadors who have taken the time to review 
our trade policies and those of our East African Community. We also thank the WTO Secretariat, the 
EAC Secretariat and our fellow delegates from EAC member states. Thank you for your attention.  
DR. CHRIS  KIPTOO  (KENYA ) 
5.33.   Kenya welcomes the third joint Trade Policy Review for the East African Community Partner 
States by the WTO. I express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Amb assador  Eloi Laurou, 
Chair of the Trade Policy Review Body , and the distinguished discussant, H.E. Dr. Athalia Lesiba 
Molokomme. I thank the WTO Secretariat for their excellent work in preparing for this review and 
the EAC Secretariat for coordinating the preparation at the regional level.  
5.34.   My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Hon. Soraya Hakuziyaremye, 
Minister of Industry and Trade, Republic of Rwanda as the spokesperson and Head of delegation for 
the East Africa Community Partner States to this Review. I also welcome the interest of the WTO 
Membership in this review and appreciate the constructive discussions that have been held so far.  
5.35.   During the review period, Kenya 's overall policy objectives continued to be guided by its 
Economic Development Blue Print, the Kenya Vision 2030 which was launc hed in 2008. The Vision 
aims at moving the country towards the path of sustained high levels of inclusive economic growth 
in order to attain middle -income country status by the year 2030. We attained lower middle income 
status in 2014.   
5.36.   The Vision is bein g implemented in successive five -year Medium -Term Plans (MTP). The first 
such plan covered the period 2008 –2012. The second phase covered the period 2013 -2017 while 
the third phase covers the period 2018 -2022 with an emphasis on the Government 's Big Four A genda 
among other initiatives. This Big4 Agenda focuses on increasing the share of Manufacturing to Gross 
Domestic Product (GDP) from 9.2 % in 2017 to 15 % by 2022, promoting Food and Nutrition Security, 
achieving Universal Health Coverage and facilitating t he delivery of 500,000 affordable housing units 
to Kenyans by 2022.  WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  5.37.   Since the last Review, Kenya has been able to consolidate its Trade Policy into a single Policy 
Document as opposed to the previous Reviews when the Policy was scattered across various 
Government policy documents. This has allowed for greater synergy in implementation and 
coordination. The focus of our National Trade Policy is institutional strengthening to ensure seamless 
coordination across government , and smooth development of Trade and  Promotion Services. The 
Policy also provides for a Trade Remedies regime, strengthening trade in services and development 
of the digital economy among others.  
5.38.   We are also auditing our legal and regulatory frameworks to identify areas that are not 
respons ive to the needs of investors with a view to taking corrective measures. Efforts are also 
ongoing to sensitize all agencies involved in Trade and Investment to ensure that their practices are 
sensitive to the needs of investors and do not change without du e notification to all relevant 
stakeholders. This will ensure consistency and a predictable business environment.  
5.39.   Significant milestones have also been accomplished in the ease of doing business across 
borders during the review period. This is attributed to implementation of various enabling policies 
and the completion of key physical and digital trade infrastructure. These interventions have enabled 
Kenya to improve on the World Bank 's Ease of Doing Business ranking from 121 in 2012 to 61 in 
2018. We hope  to further improve this ranking to below 50 in the foreseeable future.   
5.40.   Over the review period, Kenya 's exports grew albeit modestly while imports grew significantly. 
In our quest to promote exports and narrow the trade deficit, the Government has develo ped an 
Integrated National Export Development and Promotion Strategy  for the period 2018 to 2022 . The 
strategy has identified eight key economic sectors that have the potential to generate additional 
export products and hence diversify our export range and  by extension, the Kenyan economy.   
5.41.   The Multilateral Trading System embodied in the WTO remains a cornerstone of Kenya 's trade 
policy. We firmly believe that a strong and well -functioning Multilateral Trading System provides 
stability for international tr ade and supports economic growth. This is the reason that Kenya joined 
the like -minded countries led by Canada, in attempting to find solutions to the current challenges 
facing the Multilateral Trading System. Kenya remains committed to fulfilling its tran sparency 
obligations and will provide information on outstanding notifications including on the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in due course.  
5.42.   Regarding the African Union Peace Fund, Kenya is compliant in terms of its contribution but 
through normal budgets.  Kenya has a robust Intellectual Property Regime that provides for the 
minimum required protection for Intellectual Property. This is reinforced by the 2010 Kenyan 
Constitution which stresses respect for and protection of Intellectual Property rights.  
5.43.   Kenya places significant premium on regional integration because of the important role it 
plays in trade and economic development. Within the EAC, we have made significant achievements 
in deepening and expanding our integration as pointed out in the EAC re port. Some of the milestones 
include: customs modernization, establishment of One Stop Border Posts and enhancement of cargo 
movement in the main transit Corridors which have resulted in reduction in transit times. This has 
bolstered our quest to fully imp lement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and we look forward 
to getting the necessary support from WTO Members.  
5.44.   Kenya is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and 
the EAC -COMESA -SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA). T he TFTA will create an integrated market 
among its 26 Member States with a GDP of USD 1.4 trillion and a population of 700 million. To date, 
four countries have ratified the Agreement (Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa) and another 
10 more ratification s are required for the Agreement to come into force.  
5.45.   In addition, Kenya is among the 21 African Union Member States that have signed and ratified 
the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. This Agreement is just one ratification 
away from entry into force  following the ratification by Ethiopia just a few days ago . The AfCFTA 
aims to boost intra -African trade by removing trade barriers. It will also help to cure the challenge 
of overlapping membership in various Regional Economic Communities  while reaping the benefits of 
larger markets.  WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  5.46.   In conclusion, I wish to thank WTO Members for showing interest in the EAC Trade Policy 
Review. We thank Members for their questions. We have endeavoured  to respond to all of them. 
Any outstanding questions w ill be answered within the provided timeframe. We appreciate your 
honest assessment of our trade policies and practices and believe the recommendations of this 
review will enable us, as the partner States in the EAC, to deepen our integration efforts and 
contribute more to the multilateral trading system.  
5.47.   I once again express appreciation to all the Members for their keen interest in the third Joint 
Trade Policy Review of the East African Community Partner States and for the fruitful discussions we 
have ha d. Thank you for your  kind attention . 
DR. EDWIN  PAUL  MHEDE  (TANZANIA ) 
5.48.   At the outset, on behalf of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, I would like to 
join other distinguished speakers who have spoken before me, to congratulate you, for your excellent 
leadership and guidance throughout this Third Joint EAC WTO Trade Policy Review. You have 
judiciously done an exceedingly colourful  job. Congratulations.  
5.49.   I would like to register my delegation 's full support to the joint EAC response made by 
Hon. Soraya Hakuziyaremye, the Minister for Trade and Industry, Republic of Rwanda, on behalf of 
the EAC Partner States.  
5.50.   Also, I wish to thank H.E. Dr. Athalia Lesiba Molokomme, Ambassador of Botswana to the 
WTO, for the acceptance and her candid analytical r eport as a discussant in this process. On the 
same note, I would like to thank the WTO Secretariat and the EAC Secretariat for their collaboration, 
which the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has enjoyed, since the start of this exercise 
in 201 7.   
5.51.   Our valuable thanks go to other WTO Members. Their active participation in the joint EAC 
Trade Policy Review demonstrates the value and importance that the Members have attached to the 
integration process of EAC and to the principle of transparency th rough trade policy reviews.  
5.52.   Furthermore, I  would like to  take this opportunity to register my delegations ' appreciations to 
the WTO Members who have raised specific questions, comments, and various contributions aimed 
at improving the economic prospects o f the United Republic of Tanzania through trade.  
5.53.   Tanzania, as one of the founding Members of the WTO, supports the multilateral trading 
system. We have no doubt that the existing and future multilateral trade rules will continue to deliver 
for all, and mostly for LDCs. Hence, a continued enhancement of transparency in multilateral trade 
remains one of the fundamental tools for predictable trade. Yes, there are challenges facing the 
multilateral trading system. Despite the challenges, Tanzania will continue to work together with 
other like -minded WTO Members in the on -going negotiations fo r achieving fair trading rules.   
5.54.   Allow me now to address this august congregation on the recent economic performance of 
Tanzania as a reflection of what has been done in trade arena . While addressing Tanzania 's economic 
performance, I will attempt to resp ond to some of the questions raised during the review process 
by the WTO Members to Government  of Tanzania.  
5.55.   The economy of the United Republic of Tanzania has continued to register strong performance 
in the recent years. The real GDP growth, which stands at an average of 7.1% between 2013 and 
2017, is a commanding evidence to substantiate our argument. And, indeed, our economic outlook 
indicates clearly that this growth will be sustained even in the near future. In part, the growth 
trajectory is largely at tributed to the on -going efforts in building a vibrant private sector -led and 
government -assisted industrial sector, implementation of infrastructural projects to support 
productive sectors, and a concomitant application of result -based efficient managemen t practices to 
improve the delivery of public goods and services  which have a direct connexion in trade 
development . The major efficiency improvements have been registered in water, energy, road, 
railway and airport, diversification of agriculture sector, and increase in production of some minerals 
(e.g. diamond and coal).   WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  5.56.   The e conomic activities which have recorded the highest growth during 2017 included mining 
(17.5%), water supply (16.7%), and transport and storage (16.6%). Others were information and 
communication (14.7 %) and construction (14.1%). In addition, the growth rate of agriculture sector, 
which employs about 66.3% of our population and which account s approximately 20% of export 
earnings, increased from 2.1% to 3.6% in 2016 and 2017, respectiv ely. Which  translates an increase 
of 1.5 percentage point during the period under the review.  
5.57.   On the macroeconomic development, particularly inflation, Tanzania has maintained this 
variable at a single digit since 2013 to date. In 2017, the headline infla tion averaged at 5.3% from 
an average of 16.0% recorded in 2012. The development is mainly contributed by the improvement 
of supply of food in the domestic market coupled with the effective implementation of fiscal and 
monetary policies.  
5.58.   The Government of  Tanzania places high priority in trade facilitation . To this effect, the 
Government has continued to pursue strategic interventions aimed at improving business 
environment in the country. I will point some of them : 
• Launching of the BLUEPRINT last year which was approved by the Cabinet in 2018. The 
BLUEPRINT seeks to address regulatory hurdles and create a smart, functional, and fair 
business regulatory regime in the country.  
• Introduction of the Online Registration System (ORS). This system enables the business 
community and public in general, to access all services offered by the Business Registration 
and Licensing Agency (BRELA). In fact, they do so wherever they are without physically visiting 
the respective offices. In part, this is due to the importance of easing the process of 
establishing business within the canonical microeconomic theory of free entry and exit.  
• Establishment of the National Business Portal (NBP) as one of the Trade Facilitation measures 
and an ongoing development of the Trade Information Portal (TIP). For efficiency purpose, the 
latter (i.e., TIP), once completed, it will be imbedded in the National Business Portal (NBP). 
Indeed, the portal will ensure a vailability of business information including export and import 
procedures to traders and public in general.  
• Infrastructure development in the form of roads, flyovers, railways, modernization of harbours  
and airports which are key enablers in facilitating  seamless trade.  
• Power generation projects to ensure availability of enough and cost-effective  energy for 
smooth production as we are catching up in the industrial development.   
5.59.   Regarding the Trade Facilitation Agreement, which was one of the key issues for many 
Members who had the chance to ask questions to Tanzania, the Government in collaboration with 
other EAC Partner States, notified Category A measures in 2015. Then, in 2016, we established a 
National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). Also, th e Government is in the advanced stage of 
ratifying the TFA. We do that by abiding to the domestic ratification procedures. All being well, we 
shall conclude TFA in the near future.  
5.60.   Tanzania is aware of the importance of continuous performance improvement through 
adoption of efficient technologies. Therefore, through Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), in 2015 
the Government launched a customs system, which is dubbed as Tanzania Customs Integrated 
System (TANCIS). It provides an avenue to customs stakeholders  in the clearance of goods. Indeed, 
TANCIS allows Other Government Departments (OGDs), which work with customs, to lodge the 
customs documents on the same entry. In turn, this has enormously reduced clearance time and 
both explicit and implicit cost  relate d to trade .  
5.61.   Tanzania is also in the process of developing the Electronic Single Window System (eSWS). 
The system will bring together all organizations and agents involved in clearance of goods  and 
services . Being a trade facilitation tool, the Government is intending not to charge user fees for the 
use of this system once it is completed.  
5.62.   Tanzania and other EAC Partner States are guided by the East African Customs Management 
Act (CMA) of 2004 in their customs operations. This includes procedures for licen sing requirements WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  for clearing and forwarding agents and on the advance ruling. The CMA provides for Advance Rulings 
which cut across envisaged classification, rules of origin, and valuation. These are valid through and 
applicable to all ports of entry to the country.  
5.63.   The United Republic of Tanzania is a country blessed with a long coastline. The length of 
coastline, including Zanzibar and Pemba Islands, stretches approximately 1,424 km along the Indian 
Ocean. In this regard, the fishery sector is among th e key priority sector in the country.  
5.64.   Tanzania supports the on -going efforts to conclude negotiations on fisheries subsidies. We 
believe that the Fisheries Agreement will be a pivotal multilateral instrument for sustainable marine 
resource exploitation. T anzania is explicitly against all forms of Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported 
(IUU) fishing. To overcome these fishing malpractices, the country has established the Deep -Sea 
Fishing Authority (DSFA) with mandate to licensing the vessels intended for fish ing in the Exclusive 
Economic Zones (EEZ). Furthermore, the Authority is responsible for monitoring compliance to the 
licensed vessel through monitoring and surveillance program mes.   
5.65.   We are currently reviewing key sectoral policies in the country. These i nclude the National 
Trade Policy (2003) and the Sustainable Industrial Development Policy (1999 -2020). The 
overarching objective of the review is to take onboard and align the policies with the developments 
that have taken place and the emerging opportunit ies at national, regional, and multilateral level. 
At the same time, the United Republic of Tanzania is formulating the National IP Policy and its 
Strategy. The IP Policy will address, among others, the conventional issues of industrial property 
rights ran ging from Patents, Utility Model, Trade and Service Marks to Geographical Indications, 
Traditional Knowledge and Folklore as well as Copyrights and Neighbouring  Rights.  
5.66.   We have submitted  all answers to the questions that were liaised to our country. I requ est all 
WTO Members to go through those  written responses. If need be, we remain at your disposal to 
provide further clarification .   
5.67.   Once again, I thank you very much Chairperson and all Members of the WTO for their fruitful 
deliberation during the WTO joint EAC Trade Policy Review.  Thank you so much.  Asante Sana.  
H.E.  DR. FRANÇOIS  NGARAMBE  (RWANDA)  
5.68.   It is a great honour to make this brief country statement on behalf of Rwanda  delegation.  
5.69.   First of all, allow me to commend you, Chair, for the able manner in which you have been 
conducting our meeting since our first session on Wednesday. I also wish to pay tribute to 
H.E. Ambassador Molokomme for her insightful observations and recommendations in her capacity 
as the discussant for this review. I also wish to a ppreciate Members ' interest and support.  
5.70.   Rwanda has embarked on a development path driven by fundamental reforms that have 
contributed to a steady growth and inclusive socio -economic development. Rwandan economy 
performed well in 2018, recording a growth rate of 8.6% up from  6.1% in 2017.  The inflation was 
kept below 2 -digit level during that period and has decreased to reach below 2% last year.  Rwanda 
has maintained a consistent and bold business environment improvements with over 50 business 
reforms imple mented since 2007, hence its position as a top reformer in doing business, ranking 
second in  Africa and 29th globally in the 2019 Doing Business Report by the World Bank. Recent 
improvements in regulatory reforms were made in the areas/indicators of protec ting investors, 
resolving insolvency, getting credit, paying taxes, the longstanding achievement for many years in 
registering property and simplified company registration within only 6 hours (through online 
registration and one -stop shop). This favourable  investment environment has contributed to further 
attracting and raising both foreign and domestic investments as in 2018 only investment registered 
were worth USD 2 billion, contributing to increased job creation and poverty reduction.  
5.71.   In addition to a favourable doing business and a sound macroeconomic environment, Rwanda 
has also made strides in trade facilitation. Rwanda has ratified the TFA , and notified measures in all 
categories (Category A, B and C). The TFA Implementation process started smoothly  ahead before 
the TFA entered into force. Support for full implementation of the agreement is welcome. Another 
milestone achieved by Rwanda is the introduction of information portal facilitating access to 
trade -related information and the electronic custom s Single Window in 2012 which enable traders WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  to submit customs documents online. Under the EAC Single Customs Territory, TF has become even 
more efficient in terms of time required to clear goods and reduced cost of doing business. Other 
achievements such as one -stop border posts, working 24 hours  at almost main borders and 
streamlined customs procedures within EAC have contributed in accelerating movement of goods 
across borders.  
5.72.   Despite all these efforts, the economic structure of the Rwandan economy remains largely 
unchanged with agriculture accounting for 29% of the economy, while industry and services mak e 
up 16.2% and 47.8% respectively.  
5.73.   In order to further accelerate the str uctural transformation, the Government of Rwanda has 
adopted the National Strategy for Transformation which is a bold transformative agenda 
encompassing the remainder of the Vision 2020, the remainder of the Economic Development and 
Poverty Reduction Strat egy (EDPRS2), the first 4 years of a new 30 -year Vision for the period up to 
2050, known as Vision 2050; and also the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); the African Union 
Agenda 2063, as well as the EAC Vision 2050.  
5.74.   The National Strategy for Transformation is built on 3 pillars; namely: (i) Economic 
Transformation, (ii) Social Transformation, and (iii) Transformational Governance. The economic 
transformation pillar is aimed at accelerating inclusive economic growth an d development founded 
on the private sector, knowledge and Rwanda 's natural resources. Among key specific objectives are 
the creation of decent jobs, industrial development, and an export promotion with a target of annual 
export growth of 17% in order to a ddress the current trade deficit; as well as the development of 
trade -related infrastructure. In order to achieving these targets, the Government has adopted , 
among others , the Private Sector Development and Youth Employment Strategy for the development 
of a competitive private sector.  
5.75.   At the core of this strategy is the value chain approach. This is an innovative approach that 
will induce backward linkages between key firms and local suppliers across the country. The initiative 
will help boosting the made in Rwanda for increased competitiveness by enhancing domestic market 
through value chain development. Measures such as technology upgrading support, skills 
development, access to finance and trade facilitation, improving quality, knowledge and skills 
transfer to small players in the value chain are key ingredients for improving productivity and success 
of the entire value chain.  
5.76.   Priority value chains are: (i) agro -processing; (ii) light manufacturing (textile and garment , 
construction materials, electronic assembly); (iii) horticulture; (iv) tourism; (v) knowledge -based 
services (such as finance, ICT and BPO); (vi) logistics and transport including aviation and road 
transport services.  
5.77.   The digital economy is also among our priorities. Rwandan firms are curre ntly selling online 
in partnership with Alibaba, thus enjoying higher prices due to the virtual proximity between sellers 
and buyers without a middleman. Furthermore, with key innovations and initiatives such as the 
Kigali Innovation Centre (a flagship ini tiative for innovation -led economic transformation); Rwanda 
will be able to bring together local and international technology anchor companies, "special 
innovation centers " nurturing a network of early -stage companies; a community of world -class 
learning i nstitutions providing an annual supply of high -aptitude pan -African talent that will be able 
to propel Rwanda and indeed Africa in the 4th industrial Revolution; so to avoid missing once again 
another Revolution.  
5.78.   The current ongoing review of the industri al policy will update priority areas. On this note, I 
wish to take this opportunity to inform you that Rwanda is partnering with UNIDO to implement the 
PCP - Program for Country Partnership  - which is a strategic program me for industrialisation 
requiring c ountry coordination and resource mobili zation from the private sector, multilateral and 
bilateral donors. We look forward to partner with many of you so to smoothly implement the PCP in 
Rwanda and we are committed to making it a success.  
5.79.   To conclude, Rwand a remains committed to a liberalized economy, regional, continental and 
multilateral integration and supports the rule based, fair and equitable multilateral trading system. 
Rwanda will endeavour and work to further fulfil her obligations while ensuring a level playing field 
to all our trading partners.  I thank you . WT/TPR/M /384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  DISCUSSANT  
5.80.   Allow me to once more welcome the distinguished Ministers and delegations of the Member 
States of the EAC countries led by H.E. Ms Soraya HAKUZIYAREMYE, Minister of Trade and Industry  
of the Republic of Rwanda. Let me also acknowledge the comprehensive statement delivered on 
Wednesday 20th March on behalf of the EAC countries, and their joint efforts to realize their vision 
to create wealth and raise the living standards of their peopl e. I observed that the EAC countries 
displayed commitment to the Trade Policy Review Mechanism by way of their detailed responses, 
and for the written replies provided for the Wednesday session and today.  
5.81.   I would also like to thank Members for their dynam ic engagement in the EAC 's third Trade 
Policy Review. The interest and commitment to trade with the EAC countries was reflected in the 
various statements made during the opening session, and in the advance written questions.  
5.82.   Without getting into the details of the issues mentioned by the Members during the Review, I 
would like to briefly highlight a few points.  
5.83.   Members commended the EAC countries for the strong overall economic performance during 
the review period, despite fa cing challenges such as low intra -EAC trade, limitations in infrastructure 
development, and the proliferation of non -tariff barriers. While the EAC countries were commended 
for the ambitious integration agenda, concerns were raised that policies were yet t o be harmoni zed 
at national level – such as on customs related issues.  
5.84.   Some concerns were also raised regarding the high costs of doing business in the region, 
although Members welcomed the continuing reforms by the EAC countries to improve the doing 
business environment, such as improving customs processing systems and other trade facilitation 
initiatives  that were, once again, reiterated by the head of delegation this morning .  
5.85.   Some Members encouraged that the TPR provides an excellent opportunity for an  exchange 
of information and best practices on the nexus between trade, gender and development. This is 
indeed an opportunity for the EAC countries – and the WTO Membership for that matter - to harness 
their development imperatives especially in the areas of fighting poverty and ensuring inclusive and 
sustainable development.  
5.86.   Having said all that, I would like to encourage the EAC countries to consider seeking technical 
assistance from the WTO Secretariat to help them implement the reforms identified throug h this TPR 
process.  
5.87.   Such technical assistance could be pursued at both the regional and national levels to help 
improve the EAC countries ' compliance with their WTO commitments.  
5.88.   As I conclude , Chairperson, I would like to once more congratulate the delega tions of Burundi, 
Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, and the Secretariats of the EAC and WTO, for the hard work 
and effort that went into preparing for this TPR of the EAC countries.  
5.89.   To the delegation of South Sudan, it is my sincere hope that the first meeting of the "Working 
Party on the Accession of South Sudan to the WTO " will carve a path to economic growth and usher 
in an era of development, stability and peace.  
5.90.   Personally, it was an honour and my pleasure to serve as discussant for the TPR of the E AC 
countries, that was generated by the high -level delegations from the EAC countries. This reflects a 
welcome commitment by the Members under review to the WTO and the multilateral trading system.  
5.91.    Finally, let me thank you, Chairperson, H.E. Mr Eloi Laou rou, for the excellent manner in 
which he steered the proceedings during this review , and most importantly for your service as Chair 
of Trade Policy Review Body during 2018.  I thank you.  
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  HAITI 
5.92.   The delegation of Haiti commends the member States of the Eas t African Community for their 
dynamic contribution to the conclusion of negotiations at the WTO, particularly in areas that pave 
the way for convergence.  
5.93.   The delegation of Haiti encourages the member States to work towards diversifying their 
economies in order to increase their export earnings, which can give a boost to their economies.  
5.94.   Furthermore, the delegation of Haiti applauds both the reform efforts of the EAC countries 
aimed at establishing a monetary union by 2024 and the economic convergence frame work put in 
place in 2007.  
5.95.   The delegation of Haiti supports the statement made by the ACP Group of States as part of 
this Trade Policy Review.  
5.96.   The delegation of Haiti would like to take this opportunity to wish the delegations of the 
EAC member countries every success in this exercise.  
UNITED  STATES  
5.97.   The United States thanks Ms. Hakuziyaremye for her excellent stewardship of the EAC 's Trade 
Policy Review. We also express our appreciation to Ambassador Molokomme, whose insightful 
remarks helped frame our dis cussions. And, as always, we greatly value the work of the Secretariat 
staff in preparing the documents that made this review possible.  
5.98.   We recognize the extensive effort made by the delegations and the Governments of Burundi, 
Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda to respond to the questions posed by Members. We thank 
the EAC for the responses we have received but note that a number of U.S. questions remain 
unanswered. We also submitted a number of follow -up questions this morning. We look forward to 
complete  written responses within the timeframes set out for this review.  
5.99.   We applaud the EAC on the steps it has taken to remove administrative and infrastructure 
related barriers to trade. The NTB elimination mechanism and the multi -sector monitoring system 
for the removal of restrictions to trade in services are innovative solutions. We also take note of how 
the implementation of the single customs territory has led to significant reductions in the time 
required to transport goods within the EAC. We commend the EAC's commitment to reviewing the 
CET, addressing standards recognition, and liberalizing certain service sectors. These activities will 
undoubtedly support the consolidation of the EAC 's customs union and progress toward a common 
market.  
5.100.   We value the EAC 's commitment to transparency and their active engagement at the WTO. 
We thank the members of the EAC who have ratified the TFA and appreciate the ratification timelines 
provided by Burundi and Tanzania. We look forward to them meeting these deadlines. We r ecognize 
the efforts made by all EAC members to notify their Category A measures and commend the 
development of a regional plan to implement Category B and C measures. Finally, we look forward 
to working with South Sudan, the EAC 's newest member, on its WT O accession process in the coming 
months.  
5.101.   The EAC is an important trading partner for the United States. We appreciate the opportunity 
to have participated in this TPR and we offer our sincere congratulations to the delegations of the 
EAC for a successful Trade Policy Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.102.   Let me first thank the East African Community (EAC) and its members for the comprehensive 
overview presented last Wednesday of the main developments occurred during th is review period  
as well as for the statement this mo rning. We also thank Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and 
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  5.103.   The EU is pleased to note that this review has been very useful for better understanding the 
trade polic ies of EAC and we hope  that the countries re viewed will duly take into account some of 
the challenges highlighted by Members.  
5.104.   The EU appreciates the timely replies provided to most of our questions and we would  also 
be grateful to receive replies to the following EU questions . Questions regarding th e report by the 
WTO Secretariat on EAC: questions number 2, 17, 24, 28, and 29. Questions on  Annex I  on Burundi: 
questions number  34, 36, and 41. On Annex 2 on Kenya: question number 72 . On Annex 4 on 
Tanzania: questions number 78 -85 but we take note of the statement by Tanzania this morning and 
we will review the replies accordingly. And finally,  report by EAC:  questions  number 95, 96 and 102.  
We look forward to the replies in due course.  
5.105.   The EU  also has submitted two follow -up quest ions related to Burundi 's coffee and tea sectors 
and regarding  containers with products from the EU kept at Kenya 's Port of Mombasa.  We look 
forward to the replies in due time.  
5.106.   On behalf of the EU, I would like to thank the delegations of Burundi, Kenya, R wanda, 
Tanzania and Uganda for their constructive participation in this exercise.  
BENIN ON BEHALF  OF THE AFRICAN  GROUP  
5.107.   The African Group would like to express its appreciation for the way the Chair has conducted 
this Trade Policy Review session and to than k the discussant, H.E.  Ms Athaliah Molokomme, 
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Botswana in Geneva. We commend 
the EAC member States for this Trade Policy Review and for their pertinent replies to the various 
questions posed by WTO  Members.  
5.108.   The African Group encourages the EAC member States to continue implementing the 
measures announced in order to improve on their performance to date. We also invite them to 
continue their enriching contributions to the ongoing WTO negotiations so that, together, meaningful 
outcomes can be achieved at the Twelfth Ministerial Conference in 2020. Thank you.  
INDIA 
5.109.   We have had a productive meeting of the member countries of the EAC. The statements 
have highlighted their ongoing efforts and initiatives for promoting economic growth.  
5.110.   We commend the efforts of the East African Community countries for these initiatives , which 
include progressing on the ir integration agenda to establish a customs union, a common market, a 
monitoring union and ultimately a political federation of the East African States.  
5.111.   India shares both warm and friendly relations with all member countries of the East African 
Community.  An important pillar of relations with Africa is development partnership cooperation. We 
have a consultativ e partnership to assist countries to pursue their development objectives , based 
on sharing of development experiences and forecast on addressing their priorities and needs.  
5.112.   Our development partnership has deepened in recent years , with the three Africa -India 
summits, with projects being implemented for cooperation in areas of infrastructure, development, 
agriculture, irrigation, transport, health, power and IT.  
5.113.   India has a comprehensive five -year plan for deepening the development assistance  in 
Africa,  which includes USD 10 billion in concessional lines of credit and a grant assistance of USD  600 
million. We are also assisting in the area of capacity building in human resources , for which India 
has announced a plan of 5 0,000 scholarships in t he next five years , under various programmes , for 
students and professionals , under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme. All 
member countries of the East African Community are also actively engaged in these initiatives.  
5.114.   The member State s of the East African Community are blessed with enormous natural 
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  5.115.   Let me reiterate , India stands committed to support these countries for pursuing their 
development goals and to deepen our bilateral trade and investment ties for mutual benefit.  
5.116.   We congratulate the member countries of the East African Community for a successful TPR , 
and we wish the ir delegation a safe journey back home.  
CHINA  
5.117.   I would also  like to  extend my sincere thanks to the EAC delegation for a very hard work 
and full engagement in this TPR.  
5.118.   Like other Members, China attaches great importance to this TPR , and we appreciate the 
replies to China 's advance written questions.  
5.119.   China recognizes the  long and solid trade relationship with the EAC , and looks forward to 
boosting our continued interaction and cooperation.  
5.120.   To conclude, I congratulate the EAC delegation again for a successful Trade Policy Review.  
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This third joint Review of East African Community (EAC) Member countries has provided us 
with a good opportunity to assess the developments in their trade policies and practices, in the 
context of their regional integration initiatives, since their previous j oint Review in 2012. We now 
have a better understanding of their trade regimes and the challenges they are facing.  
6.2.  We are grateful for the active participation by the delegations from the five EAC Member 
countries headed by: H.E. Mr. Jean -Marie NIYOKINDI,  Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, for 
Burundi; Dr. Chris KIPTOO, Principal Secretary, State Department of Trade, for Kenya; H.E. Ms. 
Soraya M. HAKUZIYAREMYE, Minister of Trade and Industry, for Rwanda; Dr. Edwin Paul MHEDE, 
Deputy Permanent Secreta ry, Ministry of Industry and Trade, for Tanzania; and H.E. Ms. Amelia 
Anne KYAMBADDE, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, for Uganda. A delegation of the 
EAC Secretariat and a delegation from South Sudan, a member of the EAC and currently in acce ssion 
to the WTO, also participated as observers in the meeting.  
6.3.  The review has benefitted from the constructive comments by our discussant, H.E. Dr. Athaliah 
Lesiba MOLOKOMME, Ambassador of Botswana; and by the 33 Members that took the floor. Members 
appreciated the responses provided to more than 400 advance written questions and look forward 
to answers to any outstanding questions within the prescribed deadline of one month.  
6.4.  Members commended the EAC countries on their strong overall economic performanc e and the 
concurrent improvement in their key socio -economic indicators during the period under review. This 
performance was largely supported by increased public investments in infrastructures for, inter alia , 
transport, energy, and information and commun ication technology (ICT). The resulting fiscal deficits 
have suggested a call by certain Members for fiscal prudence, mainly in the perspective of 
macroeconomic convergence within the EAC and reduction of its members ' reliance on border taxes. 
Further refo rms aimed at improving participation by women in the economy was viewed as a way to 
make the EAC countries ' performance more inclusive.  
6.5.  Members praised EAC countries for their strong commitment to the multilateral trading system. 
They took note of the ado ption of the Tripartite Agreement aimed at harmonizing policies between 
the EAC, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Southern African 
Development Community (SADC), and of the progress towards establishment of the African 
Continental Free Trade Area. They sought details about the full implementation of these initiatives 
that aim at addressing concerns relating to overlapping memberships.  
6.6.  Members sought details about regional and national initiatives for implementation of the T rade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA). They encouraged Burundi and Tanzania to promptly ratify the TFA, 
and invited Kenya and Uganda to submit their outstanding notifications of Categories B and C 
commitments.  
6.7.  Members welcomed the progress made by the EAC cou ntries in liberalizing intra -community 
trade through, inter alia , the dismantling of tariff and some non -tariff measures, the establishment 
of one -stop border posts, the introduction of an Authorized Economic Operator scheme, and 
initiatives for interconne ctivity of customs systems. The EAC 's aspirations for deeper integration 
were also acknowledged, notably the adoption of the East African Monetary Union Protocol aimed at 
establishing a monetary union by 2024. However , intra-EAC merchandise trade remains low due 
mainly to non -tariff barriers.  
6.8.  In consequence, Members recommended further simplification by EAC countries of their 
customs procedures and documentation requirements. They also saw scope for further 
harmonizati on of internal taxes, standards and technical regulations, competition and intellectual 
property rights regimes, and sectoral policies, including on services. Some Members urged EAC 
countries to limit their frequent and extensive recourse to waivers from t he common external tariff 
(CET). Concerns were also expressed about the increase in non -ad valorem duties under the CET.  
6.9.  EAC countries were urged to ensure compliance with their tariff binding commitments and to 
continue improving their adherence to WTO di sciplines on, inter alia , notification, customs valuation, 
sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, and intellectual property rights. 
They were encouraged to become observers to the Agreement on Government Procurement, and WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  some Mem bers invited them to join the initiatives on investment facilitation, MSMEs and electronic 
commerce given their recent efforts to modernize their ICT infrastructures.  
6.10.   In closing, I would like to thank the delegations of the EAC countries, our discussant 
Ambassador Athaliah Lesiba MOLOKOMME, and the other Members for their contributions to the third 
joint Trade Policy Review of EAC countries.  
6.11.   The large number of advance written questions and of delegations that took the floor during 
this meeting highlights the interest Members attach to the EAC 's trade and related policies. I am 
certain that the constructive comments made during this Review will help EAC countries to formulate 
policies that enable them to further enhance competitiveness and address current d ifficulties and 
future challenges. The outcome of this Review could well fit into debates at national and regional 
levels, and I strongly encourage EAC countries to consider organizing TPR follow -up activities. I urge 
all Members to strengthen their suppor t to EAC countries ' development and reform efforts.  
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  7  ELECTION OF A NEW  CHAIRPERSON OF THE TPRB  
7.1.  As indicated in my remarks on Wednesday, we have a second agenda item for today. We now 
move to the election of a new  Chairperson of the TPRB for 2019. At its meeting on 28 February  2019, 
the General Council noted the consensus on the slate of names of Chairpersons for WTO bodies, 
including the Permanent Representative of the Philippines, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Manuel A.J. 
Teehankee as the Chairperson of the Trade Policy Review Body.  
7.2.  In accordance with the Rules of Procedure of this body, I have the pleasure to propose that 
Members of the Trade Policy Review Body elect, by acclamation, H.E. Ambassador Teehankee as the 
Chairperson for 2019.  
7.3.  It is so agreed. I would s uggest that Members of the TPRB confirm their support for his election 
with a round of applause.  
7.4.  Now, I would like to invite Ambassador Teehankee to join me in the podium.  
7.5.  As I handover the gavel and wish Ambassador Teehankee every success in the year ahea d, I 
would like to thank Members for entrusting me with the work of the TPRB and allowing me to serve 
you in this capacity during the last 12 months. Please allow me to share some personal thoughts 
from this experience after the 15 TPRs covering the trade policies of 20 Members.  
7.6.  I would like for you to know that it was, quite sincerely, a pleasure for me to chair the Members' 
Trade Policy Review meetings in 2018, with support that was highly appreciated from the 
WTO Secretariat team, particularly the Trade  Policy Review Division, including Director Willy Alfaro's 
professional and responsive team, the counsellors and the Division's entire staff, and beyond that 
division, the entire Secretariat, whose involvement is needed given the structured and focused wor k 
required. Considering the elements and information that have to be brought together, this made my 
task simpler. I thank you and commend you for your efforts, commitment, professionalism and 
responsiveness.  
7.7.  I would also like to thank all the Members who p articipated diligently in the previously discussed 
Trade Policy Reviews of 20 Members. There have been many exchanges, many contributions, and 
the exercise in itself is really an exercise in transparency and we should keep it as it is. It is not 
intended t o unsettle Members but rather to induce them to share what they are doing on the ground 
in terms of rules, policies and activities in the various sectors, and to produce better results every 
day. It is a good exercise and we should continue with it and kee p it at the same high level.  
7.8.  I would also like to thank our friends in the interpreters' booths who have been with us and 
whose presence I also greatly appreciated during these sessions. I thank you most sincerely and I 
commend you for your professionalism  and receptiveness and for the excellent working relationship 
we have had, and I urge the entire team to support Ambassador Teehankee, who is also a 
committed, receptive and approachable individual and who I am sure will do an excellent job. He 
can certain ly count on my support. I will be with you in 2019 and through March of 2020.  
7.9.  I would like to suggest that all the Members and Member groups that had Trade Policy Reviews 
in 2018 and, now, the EAC closely follow the recommendations made so that the proposals and the 
comments made by Members can, to the extent possible and with the same commitment and 
willingness, be implemented for the benefit of the Members under review, the economies of leading 
countries and the populations on the ground. Thank you  very much and I wish you all the best.  
7.10.   I would like again to sincerely thank everyone for your confidence and cooperation during the 
past year, and I now hand over to Ambassador Teehankee .  
H.E.  MR. MANUEL  A.J. TEEHANKEE   
7.11.   I would like to begin by expressi ng my  deep gratitude and congratulations to Ambassador Eloi 
Laourou, for his most able and very successful Chairmanship of the Trade Policy Review Body this 
past year and concluded today with the successful third joint  Trade Policy Review of the EAC. It is  
almost the same time last year when Ambassador Laourou assumed his post during the fifth Trade WT/TPR/M/384 • East African Community (EAC)  
 
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  Policy Review of the Philippines. I humbly take on this duty and privilege as Chair of the Trade Policy 
Review Body for the year 2019.  
7.12.   I thank the WTO Members f or entrusting me with this responsibility, which I take seriously. 
Monitoring of national trade policies is a fundamentally important activity running throughout the 
work of the WTO, and at the very center of this work is the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (TPRM).  
7.13.   This year will mark  an important milestone in the history of the WTO Trade Policy Review 
Mechanism, as we are commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the introduction of this peer review 
mechanism by the GATT in 1989. Together with the WTO Director G eneral and the Secretariat, we 
will be celebrating this milestone with a special workshop in November of this year where Members 
can hopefully evaluate the TPR mechanism and exchange views and insights on enhancing and 
improving the system of review.  
7.14.   With these words, I  can declare the current meeting closed and I look forward to seeing all of 
you at our next meeting on the 3rd of April for the Trade Policy Review of Bangladesh.  Thank you.  
7.15.   With these words, I declare the meeting closed.  
__________