The government of Burundi has allocated a piece of land for the construction of a Special Economic Zone at Rusizi in Bujumbura near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Burundi’s key exports include; wheat flour, cigarettes, beer, trailers, iron bars and sorting machinery. Burundi’s total trade with other EAC Partner States in 2019 increased by 3% to US$155.4 million, from US$150.9 million in 2018.
East Africa Business Council (EABC) CEO, Mr. John Bosco Kalisa commended H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi for allocating land when he addressed a Business Gala Dinner on EAC Regional Integration Agenda under the theme “Enhancing Private Sector led Integration & Emerging Opportunities in East Africa” at Roca Golf hotel in Bujumbura.
The Chief Guest was Hon. Capitoline Niyonizigiye, Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry and Tourism who reiterated the deep commitment of the Government of the Republic of Burundi to facilitate trade at the borders and ports by working closely with the business community both large and small in order to boost intra-EAC trade.
In his remarks, Hon. Christopher Bazivamo, EAC Deputy Secretary General Productive and Social Sectors stated that the EAC is spearheading the EAC Digital Pass and Covid-19 vaccine rollout which are important for the recovery of economies.
On his part, Mr. Antoine Muzaneza, Chairman of Association of Burundi Traders (ACOBU) urged the Burundi private sector to join the East African Business Council membership to easily present cross-border trade barriers to policymakers for resolution.
The Gala Dinner was attended by over 70 industry captains, EABC members as well as business leaders from the Burundi Federal Chambers of Commerce Industries (CFCIB), Burundi Association of Manufacturers, Clearing and Forwarding Association, Transporters Association, development partners TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) and Federation of German Industries (BDI).
