East African Traders will now be able to access crucial information on trade and markets in the region thanks to Trade Mark's East Africa newly launched web-portal www.trademarkea.com a one stop shop on information in trade, markets and integration.

Marking its fourth year in enhancing trade and integration in the region, the organization has been involved in various projects in which measures have been undertaken to improve and enhance trade in East Africa region. This includes documenting some of the best practices in form of case studies which has been shared on the new website.

Recently, TMEA kicked off a Northern Corridor performance Dashboard – an IT system that captures live data and transmits it, partnership with Key stakeholders drawn from government agencies , private sector and interested parties.

The tool captures critical information such as ship waiting time, vessel turnaround time, and cargo dwell time. This information is available for anyone to see, hence the agencies are able to pinpoint the barrier to trade. TMEA has invested US$53 million in the port corridor rehabilitation to strengthen infrastructure, improve productivity and create an enabling institutional framework.

Also, TMEA partnered Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) on a new single window system in which all import/export documentation which can be accessed by all parties. Besides the communications tool, TMEA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frank Matsaert confirmed the East African Trade Marker is working with its partners to make considerable and commendable success to deliver substantial benefits for the region and indeed for the people of East Africa.

TMEA has seen through the construction at the Holili and Taveta One Stop Border Posts (OSPBs) at the Kenya-Tanzania border which is complete, paving the way for one stop border controls which will save both time and money for traders.

Innovative customs systems in Rwanda and Uganda are facilitating the secure transport of goods and making it easier to clear them on arrival, delivering considerable time and cost savings for the private sector.

The recent signing of the Mombasa Port Community Charter by 25 government and private sector agencies, , has already begun to strengthen the efficiency of the Mombasa Port and the Northern Corridor. The project is the tune of Ksh 4.6 billion.

By automating import and export clearing systems using single windows to facilitate the transit of goods through East Africa, the body is looking to enhance the trade environment by day as well as improve the efficiency of critical government systems relevant to trade.