He said the EAC integration process is aimed at making it easier for the movement of people and goods which will in turn increase trade and thus improve the lives of the people.
The President spoke when he met the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director General Robert Azevedo at State House Nairobi.
The President said the benefits of integration far outweighs all risks, adding that trade is an important tool in enhancing peace and stability in Africa.
He said trade will help create job opportunities, adding that he is willing to partner with WTO to increase trade in the region and throughout Africa.
He cited trade cooperation between countries as one way of achieving political stability.
TRADE FOR PEACE
“Trade can be used as an instrument of peace in Africa,” the President said.
President Kenyatta said time has come for Africa to move away from an agrarian continent to an industrialised one.
“This is the time for Africa. We won’t confine ourselves to agricultural activities but also industrial and commodity exports,” he said.
Mr. Azevedo assured of the global trade organization’s support to president’s vision of accelerated East African Community integration.
Mr. Azevedo --who is on his first Africa trip, commended President Kenyatta’s efforts in mobilising East Africa leaders and citizens towards integration.
He said President Kenyatta has effectively used trade to unite people and advocate peace and stability in the region.
He said his organisation is in the process of setting up programmes to help member countries in capacity building in the integration process.
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