This archive report was first published on 24 August 2021.
Kenya and Tanzania are working to strengthen their economic ties by removing trade barriers that have long plagued their cross-border trade.
According to a joint dispatch from the Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC), the two countries have set a December deadline to resolve most of the non-tariff barriers affecting their trade.
The decision was made during a five-day meeting in Nairobi, which ended on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Affairs ministers Raychelle Omamo of Kenya and Tanzania's Liberata Mulamula.
Among the issues resolved include customs clearance of soft drinks made in their territories, removal of inspection fees on processed products with a standardisation mark, and elimination of roaming calling fees following Tanzania's entry into the Common Network Area.
The countries also agreed to harmonise standardisation with veterinary products becoming valid for export for up to 30 days. A permanent committee has been established to monitor the implementation of decisions made.
On Tuesday, the countries' top diplomats said they would use the next four months to fix the remaining crucial areas, including harmonising health certification, especially in times of Covid-19.
The JCC had only met once in six years, which may explain why issues it was meant to resolve flared. They included frequent detention of goods at the border, closure of entry points and disagreements over certification and standardisation.
The Commission said it would now be meeting at least once every year. The two countries also say they would soon commence the second phase of reaffirming their common border and enhance policing.
