4th EAC development strategy:
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Date
2011-08
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East African Community
Abstract
The The East African Community (EAC) is a regional inter governmental organization established under Article 2 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community that entered into force in July 2000. The membership of the Community comprises the Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. As stated under Article 5 (2) of the Treaty, “the Partner States undertake to establish among themselves and in accordance with the provisions of this Treaty, a Customs Union, a Common Market, subsequently a Monetary Union and ultimately a Political Federation in order to strengthen and regulate the industrial, commercial, infrastructural, cultural, social, political and other relations of the Partner States to the end that there shall be accelerated, harmonious and balanced development and sustained expansion of economic activities, the benefit of which shall be equitably shared.”
The Community has made significant progress during the last 10 years of integration. In particular, there is a much desired shift from the initial negative mind-set and little excitement on the integration process to strong political will that has catalysed business confidence and improved people’s awareness about the benefits and costs of integration. The Customs Union in particular catalyzed remarkable trade expansion.
Intra-EAC trade grew by 40% between 2005 and 2009. Uganda’s exports to Kenya increased more than tenfold from USD15.5 Million in 2004 to USD172 Million in 2009, while Tanzania’s exports to Kenya over the same period nearly tripled , from USD 95.5 Million to USD 300 Million. This pattern is expected to be enhanced with the Common Market which came into force in July 2010. This increased trade and investment among the EAC Partner States has broadened prospects for economic growth and development.
Description
Development Strategy
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Citation
East African Community. (2011). 4th EAC development strategy: deepening and accelerating integration. East African Community