CEPGL and NCTTCA spearheading the implementation of their Cooperation Agreement

The Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries (CEPGL) and the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA) signed an MOU to collaborate in programs aimed at promoting regional trade and integration within the region.

This cooperation between CEPGL-NCTTCA will see a joint planning and coordination of trade, business promotion as well as cross border Transport Infrastructure Projects and Trade between the countries of Rwanda, Burundi and DRC which are members of both institutions.

Furthermore the cooperation will foster joint regular meetings focusing on identifying new cooperation programmes and projects, agreeing on an action plan for the implementation of identified cooperation projects and programs and assessing progress and impact of identified cooperation programmes and projects that are underway or already undertaken for the mutual benefit of the region.

According to Mr. Herman TUYAGA, the CEPGL Permanent Executive Secretary and Mr. Fred TUMWEBAZE, Ag. Executive Secretary of the NCTTCA both Executives were in joint agreement that there are hanging  priority areas that can be harnessed and spearheaded quickly for the benefits of the cooperating Member States.

It was recalled that the two intergovernmental organisations have common areas where people can come and work together for sustainable development of the region and in promoting intra-regional trade and business.

It was further agreed that With this Cooperation Agreement, some of the areas of emphasis  that are expected to take focus  and which are likely to create  very great impact are the simplification of documents and formalities, facilitation of transport and cross border trade.

Other key areas of cooperation would include but not limited to harmonisation of efforts to increase the efficiency and reinforce cooperation in areas of physical integration, infrastructure, energy, transport and ways of communications, free movement of people and goods, integrated Border management, trade and customs.

The Strength of this cooperation agreement is underpinned by the fact that three Members States of CEPGL (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda) are all signatories to the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Agreement along with Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda.