The deal will kick off early 2015 and it still needs to be ratified by the five nations of the East African Community bloc, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi as well as by the European Parliament.
Five African nations have come to a deal with the European Union to renew a duty-free export deal for fruit, vegetables and flowers representatives said on Wednesday.
The deal will kick off early 2015. Previous talks between parties had failed, which has meant that the East African Community nations’ exports have been subject to EU duty tax since October 1, and will be up until the commencement of the agreement next year.
It still needs to be ratified by the five nations of the East African Community bloc, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi as well as by the European Parliament.
Valentine Rugwabiza, the Minister for East African Community affairs, said that this deal will increase African trade to the EU market.
Rugwabiza also stressed that trading with the EU, Rwanda will shift from exports of low value to high value with additional technology.
“This will provide credibility to Rwanda’s private sector, thus create employment opportunities,” Rugwabiza said.
Kenya, is the leading exporter of horticulture products and will enjoy beneficial access to the large European market.
“The successful conclusion of the negotiations will enable Kenya to continue enjoying duty free… access to the European market,” Kenyan’s ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.
