Sonia Umurungi, Managing Director, Green Dreams Ltd, emphasizes the importance of simplifying the export process for coffee, avocado, and horticulture products in Rwanda:
“Streamlining export procedures is vital for farmers, as the current complexities hinder our competitiveness in the global market. This workshop is crucial for evaluating and identifying key simplification reforms necessary to bring about essential changes.”
Jean Pierre Mwizerwa, Rwanda Trade Information Portal Coordinator and Customs Business Analyst at the Rwanda Revenue Authority, echoes Sonia’s sentiments:
“Rwanda is leading the way in the East African Community by reducing export procedures for coffee, avocado, and other horticulture products. During the workshop, we discussed important aspects such as the integration of e-payment systems, digitalization of trade-related certificates, acceptance of electronic signatures for phytosanitary certificates, and integration of digital government services, all of which are essential for reducing time and costs for private operators.”
Sonia and Jean Pierre were among those who participated in the workshop organized by the European Union-East African Community MARKUP II programme, held in Rubavu, Rwanda.
The workshop aimed to explore new proposals for simplifying coffee, avocado, and horticulture export procedures in Rwanda.
Building on the work started in 2021 during the initial simplification workshop, which identified the reforms needed to streamline export procedures as outlined on the Rwanda Trade Portal. Private sector associations such as the Horticultural Exporters Association of Rwanda (HEAR) and the Coffee Exporters and Processors Association of Rwanda (CEPAR), alongside the Rwanda National Trade Facilitation Committee, have made significant progress.
This second workshop assessed the advancements in simplification and pinpointed new areas to minimize redundancies and complexities in the export processes. Participants also deliberated on strategic measures for trade facilitation and advocacy within these sectors.
The forum facilitated meaningful discussions, sharing of knowledge, and consensus-building on current processes and the crafting of future business procedures. These efforts will lead to an efficient and cost-effective process, positioning the country well to tackle the challenges presented by global trade dynamics.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.