Regional economic integration and economic development of Rwanda in East African Community
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Date
2013
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Kampala International University(KIU)
Abstract
The study was carried out mainly to analyze the influence that the Regional Economic
Integration has on the economic development of Rwanda since joining EAC and then
investigating the extent of economic integration in Rwanda, and determining the level of
economic development in Rwanda.
Although there is integration in EAC, the economic development and well-being of the society in
Rwanda have not been reached to a sustainable development. Regional economic integration of
EAC is facing Poor perception and assessment of the costs and benefits associated with the
process; this may include Public revenue loss due to tariff reduction, lack of assurance of the
market integration benefits to individual member countries and unequal distribution of income.
Furthermore, poverty, inefficiency and inadequate education are the impediments to Rwanda in
EAC.
The study utilized a quantitative and qualitative research design in data collection. The primary
data was collected using a questionnaire filled in by employees from main concerned institutions
:md people doing business, and analyzed using SPSSll.O and excel software. The secondary data
was collected from concerned institutions by analyzing their different official reports and books.
The findings seemed to not support the hypothesis (Null hypothesis) that guided the study also
pushed for the need for greater stakeholder involvement to attain effective policy harmonization
md coordination. It was founded that there is a positive significant relationship between
~conomic integration and economic development of Rwanda in EAC meaning that Rwanda is
gaining from being a member of EAC. Again, the study revealed that the imports were higher
than exports throughout the study period, both to the EAC and the Rest of the World. This
~xplains why there has been an ever increasing trade deficit during that period. The study also
revealed that there has been achievement of trade potentials due to EAC integration and more
benefits can be achieved thorough full implementation of the Customs Union Protocol.
Recommendations based on the findings point out the need to continue the integration process
:;moothly. This would involve, among others, negotiating with Partner States for lowering CET
regime and reducing the Sensitive Items list as well as negotiating for completely removal of
~TBs across the EAC Community, and at the same time retaining from adding NTBs.
3iven the limited scope of the study, a more extensive study needs to be undertaken by
::::onsultants who would have the time and resources to delve more deeply in the impacts of
~egional economic integration on economic development of Rwanda in EAC. The need for more
focused studies on other aspects of the integration has also been pointed out such as "Regional
::conomic integration and international trade in EAC", and "Regional economic integration and
:ax system in EAC".
Description
Keywords
East African Community, Rwanda Economic Development, Rwanda, Regional Economic Integration, Economics