At TradeSmart Consult Ltd, we are dedicated to promoting trade facilitation and enhancing regional economic integration in the East African Community (EAC). We were commissioned by the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation to conduct a comprehensive investigation into a Project Idea known as the Mango Hub Project. This initiative seeks to facilitate the import of mango puree of EAC origin from Kenya or Tanzania into Uganda in compliance with the articles of the EAC Common Customs Union.
The momentum for this project arises from reports by private sector partners indicating that mango puree with a regional origin often encounters unanticipated duties, taxes, and levies, as well as suffering from border delays. To address these challenges and promote smoother trade flows, our assignment focused on the following key areas:
Establishing Preferential Treatment: We sought to determine if any preferential treatment is currently being given to mango puree traders/imports within the EAC. This involved reviewing existing trade agreements and policies related to mango puree imports.
Investigating Reported Challenges: We conducted in-depth interviews and consultations with private sector partners to understand the challenges they face when conducting preferential trade in mango puree within the EAC. These challenges ranged from complex customs procedures to inconsistent application of trade regulations.
Creating a Detailed Problem Statement: Based on our findings, we clarified and elaborated on the challenges faced by mango puree traders/importers to create a more detailed problem statement. This helped us identify the root causes of these challenges and devise targeted solutions.
Understanding Views of Public and Private Sectors: We engaged with both public and private sector stakeholders to understand their perspectives on the issues surrounding mango puree imports. This included conducting surveys and focus group discussions to gather diverse insights.
Suggesting Solutions: Building on our analysis, we proposed a range of solutions to address the identified challenges. These solutions included streamlining customs procedures, improving trade infrastructure, and enhancing collaboration between public and private sectors.
Assessing Project Environment: We provided a detailed assessment of the project environment, including an analysis of the regulatory framework, market dynamics, and stakeholder engagement. This helped us identify opportunities and risks associated with the Mango Hub Project.
Verifying Public Sector Commitment: We engaged with public sector stakeholders to verify their commitment to supporting the Mango Hub Project. This involved securing commitments for policy reforms and institutional changes to facilitate smoother trade flows.
Our investigation involved extensive fieldwork, including border visits to observe how clearance of Mango Puree imports to Uganda is done at the One Stop Border Posts. We conducted visits at Busia and Malaba One Stop Border Posts, where we interacted with customs officers, officials of Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and clearing agents. These visits allowed us to validate the reported challenges by the private sector players and gain a firsthand understanding of the trade facilitation issues at hand.
In conclusion, the Mango Hub Project represents a significant opportunity to enhance trade facilitation within the EAC, benefiting both the public and private sectors. By addressing the challenges faced by mango puree traders/imports, we can streamline the import process, reduce costs, and promote regional economic integration. At TradeSmart Consult Ltd, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote trade facilitation and regional economic development in the EAC.
