UPDATE ON NTB ELIMINATION PROGRAM Presentation by Kassim Omar Vice Chair NMC and National Chairman UCIFA 29th April 2014 Protea Hotel

Key Achievements, Challenges and Emerging Trends Establishment and Mandate Host Ministry visa vie the Coordinating Ministry Articles 13 par 2 of the CUP 2005 Establishment of NMC 2007-2008 Regional For a- Entebbe 2008 SCTIFI Approval of the TBP 2009 22nd meeting of Council

Continued Development of Legally Binding Enforcement mechanism EAC Treaty 75 (1)- C and Article 75 (5) on elimination of NTBs

Objective of NMCs Identification Monitoring Elimination

Definition WTO and UNCTAD guidelines EAC definition Private Sector Perspective Common Perceptions

Examples of NTBs Government participation in Trade Restrictive trade practices Prohibitive customs practices and procedures Distribution constraints Infrastructural constraints Others

Reasons for existence of NTBs Protection of domestic industries and consumers Safeguard measures against fiscal revenue loses Safeguards on health, safety and security of human beings, animals and plants Safeguards on environment Safeguard of national Security

Major Challenges Identifying and classifying NTBS Administrative / Institutional Measures Legal and regulatory Laws Infrastructural Pillars

Key clusters Responsible Ports Authorities Revenue Authorities OGAs Private Sector

Trade Corridors Northern Corridor Central Corridor

Some Achievements Reduction in the number of NTBs Improved infrastructure Reduction in cost of doing business Establishment of the NRSE Establishment of the IEF Increased participation of Private Sector in EAC Negotiations

Key Desires Harmonization of Regulations and Policies in the EAC Fast tracking the implementation of the Common market protocol Fast tracking the full implementation of the Customs Union Protocol – SCT Greater involvement of the media as disciples of change

You should hate the sin but not the sinner Thank you You should hate the sin but not the sinner