East African Business Council Calls for Unified Trade Negotiations Strategy
The East African Business Council (EABC) is advocating for a coordinated approach among East African Community (EAC) Partner States in international trade negotiations. The organization recommends that member countries negotiate trade agreements collectively as a bloc to strengthen regional integration and enhance global bargaining power.
A unified strategy would help implement a consistent trade policy and maintain the EAC Common External Tariff (CET), which ensures uniform tariffs on goods entering the region. Currently, individual Partner States have been pursuing separate bilateral trade agreements, raising concerns about potential trade disruptions and regional mistrust.
The current trade landscape reveals significant challenges, including complex negotiations with international partners like the European Union and United Kingdom. While some countries, such as Kenya, have pursued individual trade agreements, these separate approaches risk undermining regional cohesion.
Key recommendations include:
– Assessing existing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
– Ensuring compatibility with regional and continental trade commitments
– Collectively reviewing trade negotiations with major global partners
– Addressing developmental disparities among EAC member states
The EABC emphasizes that the diversity among Partner States should be viewed as a strength rather than a weakness in international trade negotiations. By adopting a holistic approach that considers supply-side constraints and market access, the EAC can develop a more robust and unified trade strategy.
With increasing interest from global players like the United States, China, and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, a coordinated negotiation approach becomes even more critical for the region’s economic growth and integration.
