Minister’s Foreword

Dear Readers,

It is my distinct delight to present to you the 10th Edition of the Ministry’s bi-annual magazine the “Integration Affairs”. In this issue, we update you on different key EAC events that took place in the last six months such as the 5th EAC week activities, operationalization of Cyanika One Stop Border Post, training of local journalists on EAC integration, Hosting of East African Astronomy workshop, EAC Single airspace to stimulate economic growth, Facts and figures on Rwanda’s integration journey and many others as presented in the magazine.

The year 2014 was also a special year when East Africans enjoyed the reality of the East African Community integration through the introduction of the use of IDs/voter’s cards as travel documents across Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, and Single Tourist Visa for tourists at 100$ to move and enjoy the numerous attractions offered among three countries. The establishment and implementation of this visa scheme achieves the aspiration of EAC as a single tourist destination.

Progressively, the East African Community is becoming a reality for the common man and we hope with the use of IDs as travel document will not only boost free movement of persons and services, but also upsurge cross-border trade and investment among small traders particularly the cross border communities.

This issue also highlights progress made in the last seven years since Rwanda’s accession to East African Community. I would like to take this opportunity to applaud stakeholders for their continued efforts towards making the EAC regional integration agenda a reality, which has tremendously impacted and continues to yield positive results for Rwandans and entire region. However, a lot more must be done.

Our Government, working closely with our sister countries of the Northern Corridor of EAC (Uganda and Kenya)- is leading efforts to accelerate the implementation of EAC projects, which have already started to make an impact on the cost of doing business and increase business opportunities.

The most notable progress to date is the recent launch of the Standard Gauge Railway project that intends to reduce transport costs on imports and exports from Mombasa port in Kenya through Nairobi to Kampala, Kigali and Juba in South Sudan. The reduction in transportation costs will boost private sector productivity and profitability as well as benefit consumers in terms of reduced prices on imported goods, thereby increasing government revenues through increased trade volumes. We remain hopeful that through teamwork and partnerships with our stakeholders, we shall continuously contribute to the realization of growth and sustainable economic and social development. At the same time, we shall increase sensitization and awareness programs to ensure that the business community, ordinary Rwandans and civil society understand the opportunities and benefits of EAC Integration.

We would also like to share with you key facts and figures on East African Community integration in this issue.

I know there still exist some bottlenecks especially on the free movement of goods and services in form of non-tariff barriers, but I would like to assure you that, as a coordinating Ministry, we commit to continue working together with all stakeholders for the complete elimination of the remaining NTBs to smoothen the movements of goods and services. Enjoy reading the magazine! We greatly welcome and value your contribution on how we can better serve you and increase awareness on EAC integration for the betterment of our country and the region.

Hon. Valentine RUGWABIZA. Minister of EAC.

July-Dec 2014 5