China appoints envoy to EAC

The People’s Republic of China has appointed Liu Xinsheng, its current Ambassador to Tanzania, as a representative to the East African Community (EAC). According to a statement released by the bloc’s Secretariat, Xinsheng presented his credentials, over the weekend, to the EAC Secretary General, Dr. Richard Sezibera, during a ceremony held at the EAC headquarters in Arusha. Speaking at the event, the Chinese envoy described the accreditation as an honour, commending the close and cordial relations between his country and the EAC. Xinsheng noted the region’s positive economic development due to political stability and reiterated his country’s commitment to enhance further collaboration with the bloc. He congratulated Dr. Sezibera for his recent appointment as the new Secretary General of the EAC. “I am confident that under your correct and smart leadership, the EAC will move forward very successfully,” Xinsheng told Sezibera. Sezibera called for increased trade between the EAC and China, adding that promotion of trade would go a long way in reducing the existing imbalance of trade between the two parties. He noted that China had continued to be a good partner of the region and EAC appreciates its contribution towards building the Community in various fields including infrastructure development. “It is important to note that this accreditation means more engagement of co-operation between the EAC and the People’s Republic of China for the development of the region,” Sezibera stated. He informed the Chinese envoy of the steady progress registered in the journey towards the integration. Speaking on the proliferation of sub-standard goods in the region, the Chinese Ambassador said that China had taken measures to ensure its exports to the region were of high quality and standards. He added that his country had established a national institution to carry out this specific mandate. Xinsheng mentioned that China would work closely with the EAC and Partner States’ governments to stem the increase of counterfeit products in the region. Dr. Sezibera observed that the EAC was equally concerned about dumping of sub-standard goods in the region, adding that EAC would continue to wage a war on counterfeits. He also noted the need for protection and safeguarding of intellectual property rights to check sub-standard goods. The accreditation of the Chinese envoy brings to 17 the number of countries that have so far appointed representatives to the EAC. Ends

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China appoints envoy to EAC