EAST African Community (EAC) Secretary General Dr Peter Mathuki, is set to lead a delegation in the newest partner country of the Community, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for four days to enhance an integration process.
According to a statement released by the EAC Secretary General’s office in Arusha, the tour is expected to start from September 6 to 9 this year.
He also said that the 4-day mission will include all the heads of organs and institutions of the EAC and prominent business leaders of the region.
“The 4-day mission will kick off with a two-day forum amongst DRC government officials and the EAC secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) as well as the eight institutions of the Community,” said Dr Mathuki.
He also noted that the forum will provide a platform for heads of EAC organs and institutions to enhance awareness and understanding of the various commitments in the integration pillars and the governing instruments that are in place at the EAC level to DRC government officials.
He also said that the forum will create a platform to enhance understanding by DRC government officials of the EAC integration instruments such as protocols, laws, policies and strategies.
Dr Mathuki also said the DRC delegation will be led by DRC’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Christophe Lutundula ApalaPen’Apala.
According to Dr Mathuki, from 8th to 9th September, the private sector leaders accompanying the Secretary General will hold Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings with DRC entrepreneurs.
He also added that a meeting, involving among others, Equity BCDC, a subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc for the major purpose of exploring opportunities for building business linkages and partnerships on areas of common interests to develop trade and investment relations, will also be held.
Also, Dr Mathuki said that the forum will also provide an opportunity for regional business leaders to deliberate on the challenges facing the private sector.
“This private-sector forum will provide a platform for tailored match-making between businesses, investors and government agencies and further build linkages between EAC business associations with our newest Partner State,” added Dr Mathuki.
Following the deposit of instruments of ratification by DRC on 11th July 2022 and in line with Article 8 of the EAC Treaty, DRC is expected to plan and direct her policies and resources to create conditions favourable for the development and achievement of the EAC.
On his side, the Equity BCDC Managing Director, Mr Celestin Mukeba said the bank is honoured to be supporting this inaugural mission by the East African Community Secretary General who is leading a delegation of notable business leaders across the EAC region.
“Since the DRC joined the EAC, the entire bloc now is about 300 million people offering the region a tremendous market, with massive partnership and investment opportunities across sectors such as mining, agriculture, ICT and health,” said Mukeba.
He also added that the Equity BCDC is here in the DRC to help support and finance these activities as a trusted partner to both the East African Business Council (EABC) and the EAC.
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