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{
    "id": 695414,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/695414/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 100,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Makenga",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1650,
        "legal_name": "Richard Makenga Katemi",
        "slug": "richard-makenga-katemi"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker for this opportunity to contribute to this very special Motion. Some of us travelled very long distances from our constituencies just to come and transact this business which is very important and key to this country. I would like to start by supporting the Motion. I take this opportunity to commend the Departmental Committee on Finance, Planning and Trade and the Committee on Integration. They have worked really hard on this Motion. Today marks a milestone for this country because the ratification of this Agreement will put the country into another page. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is coming along with a lot of benefits considering that over 1,000 products have been offered an opportunity to enter the EU market. This is a very good step forward now that the country will access that market and the opportunity for Kenyans to trade freely and export their products without paying any taxes. The East African Community partner states have come a long way in negotiating for this EPA. I am aware that the partner states have shown a lot of interest as a bloc to do business with the EU. The partner states have initiated the Agreement. As my colleague, the Minority Whip, has alluded, we urge the Tanzanian Government to fast-track the signing of this Agreement. I would like to applaud Rwanda, which along with our country, Kenya, has signed the Agreement and have moved forward towards the ratification of the Agreement. I would also urge other countries like Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi to sign their part, so that the EAC countries can form a good formidable economic bloc. The non-ratification of this Agreement would have jeopardised the market stake for our country and, therefore, once we adopt the Motion and approve the ratification, this country will enjoy a good market stake in the EU. Hon. Speaker, considering the timeline that has been given to the partner states in this bloc to sign and ratify the Agreement, which is 1st October, this House has shown goodwill of making sure that we put our country at the level where it should be to increase our trade within the EU. Globalization is all about movement of goods and services; it makes the market a global village. We will be able to trade freely, negotiate or even do business with other countries. Therefore, I would be very happy to see this Agreement being ratified. Securing and maintaining The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}