EAC urges focus on benefits of integration

Political leaders of the East African Community (EAC) must address the region’s trade imbalance with the rest of the world rather than focusing excessively on its internal imbalances, according to EAC Secretary-General Nuwe Mushega. The massive difference between the combined trade balance of the EAC and other regions or states should be of greater concern than the perception that Kenya was dominating trade in the region, to the detriment of Tanzania and Uganda, Internews quoted Mushega as saying. “We should not be quarrelling over chickens when the herd of cows is being driven away,” Mushega said, quoting a proverb from his native Uganda.

Mushega said the East African partners must work towards minimising their differences and maximising the benefits of coming together. The last three years had been taken up with conceptualisation and preparation phase of the EAC, he said. “The period ahead is to focus on the implementation of the Treaty in delivering the tangible benefits of regional integration to the people, Internews quoted Mushega as saying.