Trade Facilitation and Cross-Border Movement of Goods

This book explores the relationship between trade facilitation policies and the movement of goods within the East African Community (EAC), with particular emphasis on Rwanda. It evaluates the effectiveness of key initiatives such as One Stop Border Posts, the Single Customs Territory, and the ASYCUDA/Rwanda Electronic Single Window system in improving efficiency, predictability, and speed of cross-border trade. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study gathers data from various stakeholders and applies multi-level modelling to assess policy impacts. Findings show that these initiatives have enhanced trade by reducing paperwork, improving transparency, speeding up customs clearance, and streamlining border procedures. However, their effectiveness is influenced by institutional coordination, infrastructure quality, and persistent non-tariff barriers. The book recommends stronger implementation of existing measures, improved inter-agency collaboration, infrastructure investment, digitalisation, and continuous monitoring to further promote regional trade integration, lower trade costs, and support economic growth in Rwanda and the EAC.