East Africa to agree trade deal

[pampango]

Source: BBC

East African leaders are due to sign a common market treaty later on Friday.

The presidents of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi are expected to agree to the free movement of people and goods across the region.

It is hoped that the deal will lead to greater economic clout for the region. The common market is due to come into effect by July 2010.

The East African Community was launched 10 years ago and has a population of 120 million.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8370027.stm

---

Reminiscent of the European Economic Community which started in 1958 with 6 countries and led to the current EU with 27 countries. The East African Community is starting with 5. I will be interesting to see how this arrangement to open borders to immigration and trade will develop in a Third World setting. If it is successful, perhaps this type of cooperation will grow in Africa as it has in Europe.

[nyy1998]

1. Considering the problems since decolonialization that Africa faced

This could be a good sign. It might help alleviate some of the problems in the region.

[leveymg]

2. This is quite similar to the Caribbean Community Single Market & Economy

Generally, the free movement of persons and goods has worked well for formally isolated neighboring states. An East African Union can only be for the good.