Valentine Rugwabiza, the Minister for East African Community, Affairs has urged border communities to take advantage of regional integration to develop.

Addressing residents of Kirehe District at the official closure of the ministry’s awareness week, over the weekend, Rugwabiza observed that it was the responsibility of the private sector to make good use of the opportunities that the region presents.

The awareness was conducted to sensitise Rwandans on the benefits and opportunities of the EAC integration.

The event was attended among others by Rwanda’s Mps to the East African Legislative Assembly, Dr James Ndahiro and Valerie Nyirahabineza, and the Governor of Eastern Province Odette Uwamariya.

Rugwabiza called on Rwandans to be aggressive if they are to benefit from the regional integration process.

She said the East African Community put in place policies and structures to support and create an enabling environment for micro cross border traders in the region.

 "There’s a lot we can get from the integration…for the past eight years we have been committed to ensuring that local businesses receive all the support they need to do their businesses… it can be done better through public private partnerships,” she said.

"Small businesses across borders are supposed to be tax free…you must know your rights so that no one exploits you. We shall be on close look to make sure all the agreed protocols are observed.” Rugwabiza added.

The minister pointed out that Rwanda joined the EAC with an aim of tapping into the region’s economic benefits, adding that Rwandans should feel free to invest anywhere within the region.

She said member states were working hard to consolidate the gains of the Customs Union, implement the Common Market, negotiate and implement a Monetary Union protocol, and strengthen the foundation for a fast-tracked Political Federation.

"The idea is to make it possible for our people to freely exploit the region’s natural resources wherever they are, in all partner states. Our university graduates should be able to expand horizons and look for or create jobs beyond Rwanda. This is an area yet to be exploited,” added Rugwabiza.

Fabrice Habanabakize, the  chairman of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in the Eastern Province, said they had embarked on an awareness campaign to encourage local businesspersons to invest beyond the national borders.

He, however, said their main problem was lack of adequate information on how they can best penetrate regional businesses.

"We need to get adequate information on regional markets…it is a sad reality to note that some of the opportunities in the region are still out of our reach,” he said.

Prior to the event, the regional lawmakers joined locals to plant  over 3,000 trees at Rusumo border town.