EABC organises forum on AfCFTA rules of origin

EABC Board Member, Mr Paul Makanza

THE East African Business Council (EABC) has commenced a three-day workshop on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Rules of Origin.

The workshop convened together National Associations, Chambers of Commerce from the Region, and delegates from the European Union and EAC Secretariat.

In his opening remarks, EABC Board Member, Mr Paul Makanza, extended his appreciations to the European Union and World Customs Organisation for playing a pivotal role in implementing training on the Rules of Origin in the Region.

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“Partnership in this endeavour is of vital importance for capacity building and knowledge sharing in fostering a vibrant, inclusive trade environment,” he said.

According to Mr Makanza, AfCFTA represents a milestone in the quest for economic integration on our continent by creating a single market of 1.3 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 3.4 trillion, having the potential to unlock opportunities for businesses across the continent.

However, to fully realise the advantages of AfCFTA, it is crucial to understand a number of aspects related to the agreement, and the most fundamental aspect is the Rules of Origin, he said.

“It plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition, preventing trade deflection, and safeguarding products originating from the Region. A comprehensive understanding of this training will help the region navigate through the complexities of trading and harness the potential of the AfCFTA,” he added.

Implementation of AfCFTA will create a shock absorber for global shocks that disrupt supply chains, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Russian and Ukrainian sanctions.

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