Kigali, 15 September 2019 - Minister of State Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe met with a delegation from the East African Business Council (EABC) to exchange on business situation in the East African Community (EAC) Region.

The meeting discussed the role of EABC and private sector in the EAC regional Integration process, solutions to increase intra-EAC Trade and partnership with the Government of Rwanda. They also presented issues that need actions by a collective effort of Ministers of EAC. EABC delegates emphasized the need to fast track liberalisation of EAC airspace, develop new mechanisms to resolve NTBs and integrate Private Sector participation and input in EAC Integration and AfCFTA.

Minister of State Amb. Nduhungirege committed to follow up on all the points put to him.

On 16 September 2019, led by EABC Chairman Mr. Nicholas Nesbitt, the EABC Board Directors officially met with President Kagame, who is also Chair of the Summit of EAC Heads of State at the Office of the President in Kigali, Rwanda.

The East African Business Council (EABC) is the regional apex body of Private Sector associations and Corporates from the 6 East African Countries. It was established in 1997 to foster the interests of the Private Sector in the Integration process of the EAC. EABC was granted observer status in organs and activities of the EAC and therefore, participates in various sectoral meetings, meetings of the Coordination Committee, the EAC Council of Ministers, and the Summit of the EAC Heads of State; with a view to ensure that the agenda of the Private Sector is well articulated and received by the policymakers.

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