East African leaders have recommended the control of raw hides and skins exports in the East African Community (EAC) to promote leather industries and vertically integrated factories in the region.
The recommendation was made at the end of the 17th Summit of EAC heads of State on Wednesday in Arusha, Tanzania, a statement by the EAC acting Chairman and current Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli said.
It stated that there was need to ensure that all imported second hand shoes and clothes complied with sanitary requirements in the partner states.
In addition, the summit of Heads of State directed that partner states should produce their textiles and footwear requirements from within the region where quality and supply capacities were available competitively.
It said that this was in line with phasing out importation of used textile and footwear within three years.
"EAC summit especially took note of the progress made in promoting the cotton, textile, and apparel and leather industries in the region, “ the statement said. (PANA/NAN)
