Regional Body Launches an Electronic Trade Information Data Base

Nairobi — Moving goods within and outside the region is going to take less time following the launch of an electronic data base on existing rules, procedures, regulations, and documents on trade.

The trade e-portal has been developed by the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations to address the challenges faced in importing and exporting to and from the East African region that eventually translate into high cost implications to traders.


"The federation's e-portal is expected to become an important reference point for traders before submission of the required trade documents making them better informed about import and export procedures in the region," said FEAFFA's regional executive officer John Mathenge at the launch of the.The minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Rwanda, Kanimba Francois launched the portal officially this week in Kigali.



According to Mr Mathenge, the portal would reduce the cost of doing business in the region as clearing and forwarding agents will substantially spend less time searching for the relevant trade document, rules, procedures and regulations governing cross border movement of cargo to and from the EAC partner states.

The facility will provide freight forwarders real time information on the documents, procedures, taxes and duties payable and the rules and regulations governing the importation and exportation of certain major products into and out of the East African countries. = The portal was developed with support from TradeMark East Africa as part of the efforts towards establishing a single window System and integrated border management in the region. These are programmes that aim at facilitating trade in the region.