Uvira : Burundi and the DRC want to ease procedures for cross-border traders

The two neighbors in the Great Lakes region of Africa have launched a program aimed at reducing procedures imposed on cross-border traders. It is a program supported by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Cross-border sellers are delighted.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The ceremony brought together on Wednesday, more than 100 people including traders, who spoke about the challenges they face and how to solve them. It took place at the Gatumba-Kavimvira border between the provinces of Bujumbura (west Burundi) and South Kivu (east DRC).

On the Burundian side, these measures must be implemented as soon as possible, according to Clarisse Baricako, head of cross-border traders.

Traders complain about the poor state of the roads in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC. They hope “to see a change”.

Espérance .S is a Congolese cross-border entrepreneur. She regrets what she calls “harassments that are observed at the border”. She is counting on this new plan to “do my business without being assaulted by the police as is customary”.

Burundian Trade Minister Marie Chantal Nijimbere explained that the plan also aims to “remove taxes on 66 products” traded between the two countries.

Her Congolese counterpart Julien Paluku Kahongya estimated that “several women and young people on both sides could find employment thanks to this program.” The program has been named “Simplified Trade Regime.”

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The Burundian and Congolese ministers in charge of trade launch the “Simplified Trade Regime” at the Gatumba-Kavimvira border, October 30, 2024 (SOS Médias Burundi)