Tanzania, Rwanda to open new border crossing to boost trade
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Vincent Biruta and his Tanzanian counterpart, January Makamba, address the press in Kigali. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Tanzania, with its direct access to the Indian Ocean, plays a crucial role as a transit route for goods to and from Rwanda. The port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania handles about 80 percent of Rwanda's cargo imports.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Rwanda have reached an agreement to open a new border crossing, aiming to enhance trade and facilitate the movement of people between the two nations.
This decision was announced in Kigali on Tuesday, following a meeting between Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta and Tanzanian counterpart January Makamba.
During a joint press conference in Kigali, the ministers revealed that the new border crossing will be located at Kyerwa in Tanzania's Ngara district, supplementing the existing recognized border crossing at Rusumo, approximately 142.2 km southeast of Kigali.
Makamba said Tanzania is ready to strengthen ties with Rwanda in trade, information technology and energy.
Biruta said they also discussed regional security and other issues of mutual interest.
"Rwanda considers Tanzania as a good neighbor, a valued partner and important trading partner," Biruta said.
He added: Rwanda stands ready to play its part as a member of the East African Community, to achieve our common goal of a more integrated and prosperous region.
With direct access to the Indian Ocean, Tanzania serves as a major transit route of goods to and from Rwanda. About 80 percent of Rwanda's cargo imports pass through Tanzania's port of Dar es Salam.
Tanzania, with its direct access to the Indian Ocean, plays a crucial role as a transit route for goods to and from Rwanda. The port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania handles about 80 percent of Rwanda's cargo imports.
Last year, the port processed 1.4 million metric tons of cargo and 63,000 containers, making Rwanda the third-largest user of the port.
Additionally, Tanzania stands as Rwanda’s second-largest trading partner, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and facilitating cross-border activities for economic growth and development.
Makamba said Tanzania would improve its road network linking the country to Rwanda, adding that tax and non-tax barriers faced by cross-border traders would be addressed.
