Kenya asks EAC top arm to end trade tiff
Cabinet Secretary for Industry, Trade & Cooperatives Adan Mohammed makes his speech during IGAD's conference at Serena Hotel in Mombasa County on Thursday 21st June 2018. [Photo/Kelvin Karani]
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Kenya Association of Manufacturers Chairman Sachen Gudka said despite efforts to solve a trade spat where Uganda and Tanzania slapped duty on Kenyan confectionery and sweets, some products were still being blocked from the two markets. Kenyan manufacturers are also frustrated by Tanzania’s push-back over duty-free sugar imports after the country slapped the commodity with a 25 per cent duty. Kenya invited the two countries to inspect companies using industrial sugars to produce sweets, cakes and ice cream, also known as confectioneries, to ascertain that what was being used was not brought under the duty-free window. “The issue of the industrial sugar expired on June 30. However, some products still cannot access the partner states,” said Mr Gudka. KAM members also met Tanzanian official to iron out longstanding trade disputes, including lack of preferential status on edible oil products, cement and lubricants.SEE ALSO :Agency in tussle with EAC ministry
CS Aden said there were also disputes over taxes on cigarettes and textiles that were hurting Kenyan business. Tanzania has also been faulted for charging $500 (Sh50,000) for work permits on Kenyan businessmen while Kenyan retailers doing business in the region, including Uchumi and Nakumatt, have folded up without settling their supplier debts.
