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{
    "id": 614317,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/614317/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 162,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Langat",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 384,
        "legal_name": "Benjamin Kipkirui Langat",
        "slug": "benjamin-langat"
    },
    "content": "Therefore, WTO sought to come up with an agreement among the countries to see how we can shorten this process to reduce the number of forms one is required to fill or items required; in short, to facilitate trade among different countries. That is the origin of the Trade Facilitation Agreement which we are approving today. As the name suggests, it is supposed to ensure that there is ease of movement of goods, ease of clearance of goods and ease of general trade. I want to inform the Members on the contents of the Agreement in general. This Agreement binds the members on different aspects. One of the items is that it binds the members into making sure that they publish and make available information relating to how to import and export goods to that country and those on transit. The information involves the required documents to be filled. The relevant trade laws and the inquiry point contact information should be made available. If today we agree to ratify this Agreement, just like any other country which will do the same, it will bind us to ensure that all the import procedures that must be done in Kenya, are published on the internet and are accessible. It also provides that, if any of the governments who are members were to amend their laws relating to taxation or customs, they must ensure that they give an opportunity and additional time to all other governments, traders and interested parties to comment on those new trade-related customs laws, administrative regulations as well as amendments. In short, this is public participation which our Constitution already provides. It is nothing new. It makes sure there are no new developments which other countries do not understand and yet, they affect business across the world. The Agreement also provides that the members shall adopt faster clearance for perishable goods that allow release within the shortest time. This is very relevant to Kenya because we export perishable flowers and foodstuffs. The Agreement says all countries who have signed should commit themselves to ensuring that those goods are released within the shortest time possible. It also provides that where those goods are received on weekends or national holidays, the countries must provide facilities to handle those goods because they cannot wait. This is very good for Kenya because we export perishable goods such as flowers. The other thing which is very important about this Agreement is that it encourages border co-operation between neighbouring countries like Kenya and Uganda. It binds us to ensure that the customs services of Kenya and Uganda co-operate to ensure that the movement of goods is smooth and swift. This is very important to facilitate trade."
}