Kigali – February 18, 2011
Today the Government of Rwanda, represented by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, John Rwangombwa and the Minister of the East African Community, Minister Monique Mukaruliza, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Frank Matsaert, the CEO of TradeMark Africa ( TMA ).
“TradeMark will be a key partner as we continue to implement the integration agenda at the national and regional level.” said Minister Monique Mukaruliza.
The MoU outlines the agreement that DFID and SIDA have agreed to jointly offer financial, technical, capacity building and logistical support to Rwanda for the process of integration through TradeMark Africa ( TMA ).
In delivering this support TradeMark Africa (TMA) aims to assist Rwanda through:

• A reduction in transport and related costs along the key corridors in East Africa.
• Supporting EAC institutions to develop a comprehensive framework for regional integration.
• Supporting partner states to substantially increase the implementation of a comprehensive framework for regional integration.
• Engaging private sector and civil society to positively influence regional integration policies and practices for growth in trade.

In Rwanda, TradeMark Africa (TMA) is presently financed by two development partners, UK AID through DFID and the Swedish Government through SIDA with a present contribution of $19 million. As part the ‘aid effectiveness’ effort in Rwanda, TradeMark Africa plans to leverage further donor contributions to increase the TradeMark Africa (TMA)’s budget up to $65 million over the next five years.

As stated by the new UK High Commissioner, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, “Rwanda, although a recent member of the EAC, is one of the leading lights in deepening reforms of the East African Community, and as a land locked country, stands to be one of the biggest winners if regional integration works. ”

TradeMark Africa (TMA) will support Rwanda’s integration into the EAC by reducing transport costs, speeding up border crossings, strengthening policymaking and implementation of the EAC protocols, particularly the Common Market. As well, TradeMark Africa (TMA) will be facilitating trade and promoting market linkages within the region by working closely with governments, private sector and civil society.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

To arrange for interviews please contact :
Mark Priestley
Country Director, Rwanda
Phone: +250 (0) 78 246 0084
Email: mark.priestley@trademarkea.com

Source: TradeMark Africa (TMA)

TradeMark Africa (TMA) is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TradeMark Africa (TMA) operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, UK, and USA. TradeMark Africa (TMA) works closely with East African Community (EAC) institutions, national governments, the private sector and civil society organisations.