While the EU boss in Uganda is quick to point out that the date is neither an ultimatum nor a deadline, come Oct. 01 the EU will withdraw its free market access to countries like Uganda that have not yet ratified an Economic Partnership Agreement.
“The EAC states wont access European markets if we don’t sign EPA by October 1 but how prepared are we when some clauses are still not agreed upon?” Jane Nalunga, SEATINI Uganda country director, asks.
Economic experts have supported the recent decision taken by the government of Uganda to join the COMESA FTA, saying it would increase the volume of Ugandan exports to the COMESA FTA and promote the country’s economic growth.
Economic experts have supported the recent decision taken by the government of Uganda to join the COMESA FTA, saying it would increase the volume of Ugandan exports to the COMESA FTA and promote the country’s economic growth.
Legislators, trade experts and analysts have described the delayed signing of the Economic Partnerships Agreement (EPAs) as a detriment to development of trade among developing nations.
As part of its support to Uganda's implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and East Africa, the EU is funding the drafting of Kampala's controversial Counterfeit Goods Bill, which has caused an outcry as it threatens access to life-saving generic medicines in this low income East African country.
Uganda on Thursday adopted a cautious stand as negotiations on a regional common market entered a sensitive phase in which experts sought to find the most appropriate deals on protection of foreign investments
Twenty six African countries, a single market and open borders that allow persons to move across freely and conduct business. That was the vision of the Tripartite Summit that took place in Kampala last week. President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania called it “a landmark summit for a landmark decision” while President Yoweri Museveni said it was “historic”.