President Uhuru Kenyatta welcomed DRC into the East African Community on Tuesday.
Chairing the meeting virtually, the President commended the admission of DRC to the EAC saying that it is a historic event that shows the zeal of the Community to grow.
“Today as chairman of the EAC, I proudly and warmly welcome our brothers and sisters from the DRC to the EAC and look forward to joining hands in strengthening our community together. Working together, we have more to gain than when we are separate," President Uhuru said.
“Indeed, the combined population and GDP of our community will grow by 50 per cent and 25 per cent respectively, implying a corresponding expansion of the market for goods and services. These numbers imply expanded market opportunities for producers located within EAC under the Customs Union."
Further, Uhuru said the expanded community will attract more investments across all sectors, a move that will create more wealth and employment for the people.
The President said that it was beneficial for DRC to join the EAC as it will reap more from the combined resources hence developed infrastructure.
“The said infrastructure is crucial in facilitating cross-border movements of goods, people and physical capital as envisaged in the EAC Common Market,” Uhuru said.
"With a larger market of about 300 million people."
The President expressed optimism that EAC will achieve better outcomes brought about by the economies of scale and pooling of productive human and financial resources.
