KAM chief executive Phyllis Wakiaga urged participating governments to put in place measures that would enable SMEs to trade across borders via seamless movement of raw materials, locally produced and processed goods as well as the free flow of labour.
“We need solutions for challenges making it impossible for SMEs to trade across borders,” she said, adding that the obstacles included unfriendly policies and regulatory regimes that do not accommodate SME needs.
She said Kenya’s partner states must recognise quality standards in the region, easing the need for SMEs to invest in having their products certified by each country they plan to make an entry.
Currently, the East Africa Community states have made major strides in harmonising their standards.
The move has seen SMEs establish subsidiaries across the borders as well as facilitate the exchange of skills and supply their products to a wider market.
CBC Chairperson Marday Venkatasamy said a document is being prepared that will support a request for the enactment of a payment policy by states named in the pilot to allow participating banks to fulfil payment requests.
Source: Business Daily
