Rwanda – Informal traders involved in cross-border trade have expressed their concern with high cost of transport and limited access to financing which is making doing business increasingly difficult.

Traders have urged authorities to assist in relieving these obstacles which form part of non-tariff barriers making trade in the East African Community challenging.

Rwanda generated US$42.3 million from informal cross-border exports in the first five months of 2012, up from US$23.8 million the same period last year, according to recent central bank figures.

A great deal of foreign exchange is generated due to informal trading and informal businesses have played a huge part in creating job opportunities and that is why easing the challenges affecting the hardworking businesses in this sector will go a long way in promoting the culture of self-employment.

Improving infrastructure and crafting financial products, which are tailored to this segment, among other incentives, would help reduce the cost of doing business across borders, thereby boosting exports.

It would also facilitate imports and increase the supply of goods and services and create employment opportunities, thus promoting growth.