DAR ES SALAAM — Uganda and Tanzania have opened the fifth session of their Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) in Dar es Salaam, beginning negotiations aimed at removing long-standing tariff and non-tariff barriers that have slowed trade between the two East African neighbours.
The talks, which started on Wednesday, bring together senior government officials and technical experts from both countries to address restrictions affecting cross-border trade in agricultural products, manufactured goods, and transport services.
Uganda’s delegation is led by Ambassador Richard Kabonero, head of regional economic cooperation, and includes Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ambassador Fred Mwesigye, along with other senior government officials and trade specialists.
Multi-Level Negotiations Planned
The Joint Permanent Commission is structured to allow discussions at several levels of government. The current meetings of technical officials will be followed by sessions involving permanent secretaries from both governments before the process culminates in a ministerial meeting scheduled for Friday, March 13.
The outcomes from these negotiations are expected to shape new policy measures aimed at improving trade flows, easing regulatory constraints, and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.
Presidential Directive Sparks Talks
The latest round of discussions follows a directive issued by the presidents of both countries during bilateral consultations on February 7, where they called for the removal of outstanding barriers affecting trade and the movement of goods across their shared border.
The directive reflects growing political commitment to strengthen economic relations and deepen regional integration within the East African Community.
Rapid Growth in Bilateral Trade
Trade between Uganda and Tanzania has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Official figures show that bilateral trade reached approximately $2.23 billion in 2024, up significantly from $1.36 billion in 2023, demonstrating the increasing commercial ties between the two economies.
Uganda exported goods worth about $185 million to Tanzania during the period, including commodities such as cement, agricultural products, and manufactured items. Meanwhile, imports from Tanzania totaled around $2.0 billion, consisting largely of petroleum products, manufactured goods, and industrial inputs.
While the figures highlight growing economic interdependence, they also reveal a widening trade imbalance that officials hope to address through the ongoing negotiations.
Key Issues Under Discussion
Officials involved in the talks say the negotiations will focus on several key areas aimed at improving the trading environment for businesses in both countries. These include:
• Harmonising customs procedures to reduce border delays
• Resolving licensing and product standards disputes affecting exporters
• Improving transport and logistics systems for cross-border traders
• Addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers that raise the cost of doing business
Improving these areas is expected to significantly ease the movement of goods along major regional trade corridors linking the two economies.
Broader Regional Implications
Regional leaders have also emphasized the need for stronger mechanisms to resolve trade disputes within the East African Community.
EAC heads of state recently directed the formation of a Trade Remedies Committee, which will provide a rules-based framework for addressing trade grievances and reducing barriers within the bloc.
The initiative aims to boost intra-EAC trade, which currently accounts for less than 20 percent of the region’s total trade—far below the levels seen in more integrated economic blocs around the world.
Strengthening East Africa’s Economic Integration
Officials participating in the Dar es Salaam discussions say resolving bilateral trade issues between Uganda and Tanzania could have wider benefits for regional economic integration.
Improved trade cooperation between the two countries is expected to complement major regional infrastructure initiatives, including transport corridors, energy projects, and logistics networks that connect East African economies.
By addressing tariff and regulatory barriers, the talks are seen as an important step toward strengthening trade integration, improving market access, and supporting economic growth across East Africa.
