Kenya, TZ agree on joint Trade meetings to tackle Non Tariff Barriers

Kenya and Tanzania have agreed  to hold regular Joint Trade Committee meetings to tackle Non Tariff Barriers and promote trade among them.

The verifications exercise once executed it will  see goods such as lubricants, edible oils, cement and textiles produced outside Export Processing Zone trade unprohibited between the two countries.

Lack of preferential treatment for certain goods produced in the region, citing rules of origin and application of non-tariff barriers, have seen trade between East Africa’s two leading economies dwindle in the last two years.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data indicate Kenya’s exports to Tanzania dipped 33.52 percent y/y to perch at KES 8.2Bn in the first five months of 2017.

The two countries will implement EAC SPS protocols requiring partner States to establish regulatory institutions  and harmonize control measures.

In a joint communique signed by the Trade Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo and his Tanzanian counterpart Prof Adolf Mugenda, following three days of talks, the two underscored the significance of having regular bilateral meetings to discuss concerns and opportunities with a view to promoting trade for the mutual benefit of the two countries and its people.