HE SUMMIT TOOK NOTE OF THE PROGRESS MADE IN PROMOTING THE COTTON, TEXTILE, APPAREL AND LEATHER INDUSTRIES IN THE REGION AND DIRECTED THE PARTNER STATES TO ENSURE THAT ALL IMPORTED SECOND HAND SHOES AND CLOTHES COMPLY WITH SANITARY REQUIREMENTS, IN THE PARTNER STATES. THE SUMMIT FURTHER DIRECTED THE PARTNER STATES TO CONSIDER BANNING THE EXPORT OF RAW HIDES AND SKINS OUTSIDE THE EAC REGION.
THE SUMMIT, BEING DESIRIOUS OF PROMOTING VERTICALLY INTEGRATED INDUSTRIES IN THE TEXTILE AND LEATHER SECTOR, DIRECTED THE PARTNER STATES TO PROCURE THEIR TEXTILE AND FOOTWEAR REQUIREMENTS FROM WITHIN THE REGION WHERE QUALITY AND SUPPLY CAPACITIES ARE AVAILABLE COMPETITIVELY, WITH A VIEW TO PHASING OUT IMPORTATION OF USED TEXTILE AND FOOT WEAR WITHIN THREE YEARS. THE SUMMIT DIRECTED THE PARTNER STATES TO SENSITIZE ALL STAKEHOLDERS AND DIRECTED THE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE THE SUMMIT WITH AN ANNUAL REVIEW WITH A VIEW TO FAST TRACKING THE PROCESS.