The Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC), Amanya Mushega, says it is developing a strategy to revive textile industries in the region.

He said a study is underway at the Secretariat, to address cotton production and promotion of local and foreign investment in the region's textile industry.

"The development of the textile industry will satisfy the growing export and domestic demand for textile products", said the Secretary-General.

He made the remarks when he received the Ambassador of Indonesia to Tanzania, Trijono Marjono and the Ambassador of Indonesia to Kenya,Djsmun Kasri who called on him at the Secretariat recently.

At the meeting, Mushega was accompanied by senior EAC officials, including the Deputy Secretary-General (Projects and Programmes), Dr Kipyego Cheluget and the Director-General (Customs and Trade), Peter Kiguta.

The EAC officials and the Indonesian delegation discussed areas of co-operation between EAC and Indonesia and with the ten-member Association of East Asian Nations (ASEAN), to which Indonesia belongs.

The Indonesian delegation and EAC officials discussed the composition of an EAC delegation which is expected to visit Indonesia during the first quarter of next year.

The tour would be intended to promote broad awareness in Indonesia about the opportunities for investments in East Africa.

Mushega said there was great potential for co-operation between EAC and ASEAN, particularly in the field of industrialization and development of skills.

"Following the establishment of the EAC Customs Union, the EAC countries are focusing on developing the region's production base in order to boost intra-region trade as well as enhance competitiveness in exports", said Mushega.

He said the EAC export policy would shift emphasis to value addition, instead of the traditional exports of raw materials.

The EAC SG said instead of exporting raw cotton, the EAC countries would concentrate on processing and export of yarn, fabrics and garments thus providing opportunities for investors in the region's textile industry.

He said the region's industrialization strategy would involve strengthening co-operation in research and services; and development of skills with emphasis on the role of the private sector.

Ambassador Marjono hailed athe good progress being made in EAC, with the signing of the Customs Union and the prospects of expansion of the Community to include Burundi and Rwanda; and expansion of trade with DRC and other eastern and central African countries.

He said that the balance of trade between EAC and Indonesia was in favour of Indonesia, stating that the latter could invest in infrastructure in East Africa, particularly roads and railways as well as cotton and textile industries, furniture and other trade related investments.

Ambassador Kasri remarked: "We see a lot of potential in terms of trade and investment in East Africa which are very important for our business people and we would like to make them aware of these opportunities. "

"This will enable them to formulate their strategies for doing business with East Africa."

Sunday Observer