The East African Business Council (EABC) wants all Covid-19 related charges between the regional countries lowered and harmonised to ease the cost of doing business and boost intra-EAC trade. “The EAC Secretariat should fast track regional coordination and harmonisation of measures on Covid-19 for economic resilience and growth of the EAC bloc,” said Peter Mathuki, CEO EABC. He said lack of harmonisation of Covid-19 testing rates in accredited laboratories and uncoordinated waiting time for results is disrupting cross-border trade. EABC said Covid-19 related Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) continue to hinder cross-border trade due to different measures on Covid-19 in the region. Mathuki said that reduction and harmonisation of Covid-19 related NTBs will also enable businesses to tap into the opportunities availed by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Source: The Star January 12, 2021 01:52 UTC