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EAC reiterates plan to strengthen textile, leather sectors

08
Feb '19

The East African Community (EAC) recently reaffirmed its plans to develop a strong textiles and leather sector in the region at the 20th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State in Tanzania’s Arusha. “Nothing should hold us back from achieving our regional goals in trade and other sectors of development,” said summit chair and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda are EAC members.

Tanzania plans to boost its cotton exports to $150 million by 2020, up from $30 million now, its deputy minister of agriculture Mary Mwanjelwa said.

Rwanda has launched a task force to start a training programme in leather processing for local factories and small and medium enterprises. The country’s government wants manufacturers to adopt cleaner production technologies, according to media reports from East Africa.

The summit directed the EAC council to review relevant policies and harmonise within three months the framework for import of goods into EAC to support the growth of local industries.

Kenya has the largest garment sector amongst the EAC nations and produces predominantly for the United States. EAC countries reportedly lack a sufficient garment production base to meet domestic needs with local or regional production. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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