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{
    "id": 614340,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/614340/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 185,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Dr.) Oginga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 194,
        "legal_name": "Oburu Ngona Odinga",
        "slug": "oburu-odinga"
    },
    "content": "Africa does not need to access the European market. What we need is inter- regional trade within Africa. We already have integration of the East African Community. We already have a common market treaty signed. The issues being resolved by this agreement are very pertinent to facilitation and fast-tracking of the East African Common Market Treaty. We have issues to do with none-tariff barriers. Those are some of the things that hinder trade. They are neither tariffs nor customs. They are just created by states to make it difficult for goods to move. If this particular agreement is ratified by, at least, two-thirds of the member states, it will have a very positive effect in easing trade between the member States. As it has been mentioned by the Leader of the Minority, this treaty will have a direct effect on inflows of direct foreign investment. The agreement will also reduce the time taken to clear goods at the Port. It will reduce the number of licences by doing away with those licences which are unnecessary, which only serve to hinder trade between countries. In our country, we already have a single window system but its implementation has been very slow because a number of Ministries are reluctant to join the single window arrangement because they have dubious ways of doing things, which they would not want exposed through the single window arrangement. This particular agreement will help us to fast-track implementation of the single window system, which will ease trade between countries. It will also introduce ICT, which will reduce human contact. Corruption comes about as a result of the huge documentation that passes through so many hands. This makes it easy for officials to demand bribes. With those few remarks, I strongly support and urge hon. Members to support the ratification of this agreement because it is the first one that is supporting the development countries, which have not had very fair deals at the WTO. Thank you, Hon. Speaker."
}