- After missing its deadline of December last year, It is hoped that East African Community’s long awaited ombudsman for regional trade disputes will be in place by April this year according to EAC Secretary-General Peter Mathuki.
- The TRC will support businesses in the five-member States on issues pertaining to unfair trade deals from foreign rivals.
After missing its deadline of December last year, It is hoped that East African Community’s long awaited ombudsman for regional trade disputes will be in place by April this year according to EAC Secretary-General Peter Mathuki. The TRC will support businesses in the five-member States on issues pertaining to unfair trade deals from foreign rivals.
The mandate of the Trade Remedies Committee is to investigate disputes in the industry, recommend appropriate measures and ensure timely fulfilment of all conditions by parties, and also provide advice if necessary. The other matters to be handled by the Trade Remedies Committee include issues regarding rules of origin, regulations on anti-dumping measures and also examine the subsidies and countervailing measures.
It has powers to investigate and address unfair trade practices and subsidies.
After examining the complaints TRC will make recommendations to the government for corrective measures to protect local industry.
Experts have often warned about the negative impact on business and trade due to the delay by the bloc to operationalise the TRC. The absence of the mechanism led to increased disputes among member States that almost paralysed trade and led to huge losses for traders like in the case of the trade dispute between Kenya and Uganda that led to a deadlock.
