Statement by the Minister
The Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the Ministry of East Africa Cooperation was formulated and would be implemented in the context of the ongoing Public Sector Reform Programmes.
The notable events in the year 2007/08 include the 9th EAC Summit of Heads of States decisions on the future of the EAC integration process in relations to the citizens’ views collected during the exercise carried out by Partner States concerning either or not to Fast track the EAC Political Federation. In this regard, the Heads of States decided to focus the integration towards balanced and equitable development by way of formulation and implementation of EAC industrial and investment strategy as a matter of urgency.
Likewise, the Third EAC Development Strategy (2006-2010) which was inaugurated in 2006 now provides emphasis on the implementation of projects and programs in areas of infrastructure, energy and environment namely; EAC Road Network, Railway Network, Power Master Plan and Lake Victoria Development Project. In the same vain, a retreat of Permanent Secretaries followed by Ministers and ultimately Heads of States would advise more holistically these sectors to pave the way for effective implementation in the financial year 2008/2009. However it is important noting the present development status of the infrastructure sector. The Namanga- Arusha - Athi River road project, ADB have shown interest to sponsor the construction and the Contractual work will start in August, 2008. For the Tanga - Sadani – Bagamoyo road Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) expected to sponsor the project.
Among our priorities in the year 2008/2009 is to continue facilitation and co-ordination of monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the EAC Customs Union Protocol to determine its challenges and opportunities obtained since its inception in 2005. Also the Ministry will continue, with the formulation and harmonization of EAC policies and strategies Vs nationals, with the focus of capacity building in supply side and trade performance.
Likewise, it is envisaged that measures will be undertaken in terms of the country’s preparedness in negotiating the EAC Common Market Protocol. As per 2006 EAC Summit directive Partner States are required to conclude negotiations on the EAC Common Market Protocol by December, 2008 and the actual negotiations are expected to start in July 2008. In this context, entails the formulation of a country position on the Four freedoms (Free Movements of goods and services, Free Movement of persons, Free movement of Labour and free movement of capital). The Ministry urges all concerned stakeholders to take these initiatives seriously and forge close network to accomplish the laid down plans for effectively and efficiently realization of national interests during the EAC Common Market negotiations.
Hon.Dr. Diodorus B. Kamala (MP)
MINISTER FOR EAST AFRICAN COOPERATION
