East Africa: Textile Industries for Revival in EAC

East Africa: Textile Industries for Revival in EAC

TEXTILE and tanner industries in East Africa are set for vast revival as Heads of the East African Community member states agree to set up a mechanism that will promote growth and protection of the two industries.

Addressing journalists hardly two days after conclusion of the 16th EAC Summit for Heads of State, the Minister for East African Cooperation, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, said in Dar es Salaam that the region was committed to utilizing effectively the potential in textile and skins and hides industries to reduce dependence on importation of second-hand clothes and shoes.

"The council of ministers (for which Mwakyembe is the current chairman) is currently working out modalities to enhance implementation of the agreement by Heads of State to resuscitate textile and tanner industries," Mwakyembe explained.

However, the minister was not explicit on the implementation of the plan insisting that the population had nothing to worry about as no inconvenience would be caused and socio-economic stability would be guaranteed. As for the wider picture, the plan is to spur trade with the community and beyond.

Of late, importation of second- hand clothes took their toll in all five major cities let alone other district headquarters.

Despite the fact that a section of the community make gains from the business, the future of the region in terms of textile industry remained uncertain. Textile industry can offer employment to millions in the region.

As for the reported unsettled matter on temporary ban of motor vehicles from Tanzania from picking tourists directly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of East African Cooperation, Ms Joyce Mapunjo, announced the timetable for the beginning of a series of meetings for amicable resolve.

"Effective March 16, 2015, officials from concerned ministries, namely, Trade, Tourism and EA Cooperation will meet in Arusha to lay down the basis of discussion to end the impasse for the region to move forward," Ms Mapunjo explained.

"President Jakaya Kikwete is the current Regional Chairman of EAC and Tanzania will remain exemplary in the implementation of various agreed items.

For example it has been agreed that importation of motor vehicles older than eight years should be restrained," she said. Nairobi hosted the 16th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi.

The summit was preceded by 30th Extraordinary Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers.

The Ordinary Summit was graced by President Jakaya Kikwete of United Republic of Tanzania, President Pierre Nkurunziza of Republic of Burundi, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the Republic of Uganda, President Paul Kagame of Republic of Rwanda and the host, Uhuru Kenyatta of the Republic of Kenya.