The National response Strategy on Elimination of Non Tariff Barriers (NRSE-NTBs) Presented by: Emmanuel Atwine Project Manager NRSE-NTBs Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives 29 th April 2014 Protea Hotel

Introduction Uganda’s major export markets are COMESA at 51.6% and EAC at 24.6% respectively. Tariffs have been removed from the East African Community (EAC) in 2005 at the launch of the Customs Union, Intra-EAC trade remains low at $4.5bn accounting for only per cent of trade in East Africa.

Background to NRSE-NTBs Project 2008 EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI) Directive to develop a Time Bound Programme for Elimination of NTBs in line with CUP NMCs formed in Each Partner State comprising all institutions involved in trade facilitation activities Quarterly meetings of NMC reporting to regional meetings NTBs persisted and mutated in many ways till 2012

Continued In 2011, the Ministry through TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) hired a consultant to developed NRSE for elimination of NTBs Conducted a study, validated study and developed the strategy In March 2012, the Ministry and TMEA signed an MOU for implementation over 3 year period

Key intervention areas of the Project 4 key Strategic Areas  Establishment of an Information Exchange Facility (IEF)  Re-alignment of National Laws and Regulations  Development & Implementation of an NTB Elimination Communication and Advocacy strategy  Institutional coordination on Elimination of NTBs

Progress IEF 85% done Re-alignment of National Laws- handling in conjunction with ULRC. A number of meeting held. Those that hinder effective implementation of the CUP Communication and Advocacy Strategy - Competed being implemented Institutional Coordination on Elimination of NTBs- Effective: All government institutions involved in trade facilitation with private sector Presentation, MOUs prepared with IEF hosting institutions

Achievements since implementation RD Blocks along Northern Corridor Cash Bonds Weighbridges on GVM and Harmonized weighing along Northern corridor Requirement for physical inspection and others for hides and skins in Kenya 16% VAT on services (Port Charges) District parking levies Removal of number Plates on transit tucks

Continued Bilateral with Rwanda Mirama Hills/Kagitumba and katuna/Gatuna Trade information desks for information desimination EAC Legally Binding Enforcement Mechanism

Synergies with other Institutions URA on Trade facilitation measures such as  One Stop Border Post  Electronic cargo Trucking System  Single Customs Territory

Handling the Challenges Challenges mainly on the IEF handled Formation of Subcommittee to handle specific NTBs Sensitization and awareness to effectively use IEF- Communication Consultant

Conclusion Responsibility of all stakeholders (Government institutions) Ministry Coordination institution Call for effective use of the IEF by the business community Thank you for listening