Posted on :Tuesday , 9th August 2016

Arusha — Brazil, an economic giant of South America, is keen to promote stronger economic ties with East Africa, its ambassador to Tanzania Carlos Alfonso iglesias Puente revealed here on Tuesday.

"The Brazilian business community already has a significant presence in Tanzania and Kenya, especially in construction, energy and solid waste management sectors," he said during his visit to the East African Community (EAC) headquarters.

Stressing the importance of regional integration initiatives across the globe, the envoy expressed the willingness of his country to promote trade, investments and diplomacy with EAC, which he described as one of the fastest growing regional economic community (REC) in Africa.

"We have a lot to learn from the EAC," he said when he presented his credentials to the EAC secretary general Liberat Mfumukeko, paving the way for his accreditation as his country's ambassador to the Community.

He called for foråged ties between EAC and the South American Common Market (MERCOSUR) of which Brazil is a member,saying there were parallels between the two organizations.

He disclosed that MERCOSUR was still trying to actualize its Customs Union before venturing into the Common Market, adding that it was a great achievement for the EAC to have in place a Customs Union and Common Market.

Mr Puente urged the European Union and North America to allow greater access by developing countries, such as the EAC member countries, into their agriculture produce markets, noting that it is in agriculture is where most of the developing countries excelled.