MARKUP Holds 7th Meeting of the Regional Steering Committee

July 14th 2022 saw policy makers, private sector representatives and Implementing Partners from the 5 MARKUP Partner States interact with the EU Delegation and the EAC Secretariat to review programme implementation for the period June 2021- July 2022 and discuss ways to address emerging challenges. For 2 days, the Regional Steering Committee (RSC) took stock of the achievements under the regional and Partner States Windows, discussed the findings and recommendations of the MARKUP Midterm Review, and received updates from the EU Delegation on preparations for a successor programme.

 The Results Report presented to the meeting indicated that the programme was on track with nearly 80% of the indicators under the EAC Window fully achieved. The EAC Window covers interventions on advocacy and support to reduce trade barriers; improved harmonisation of standards; export competitiveness and strengthened business development services. Some activities under the Partner States Window faced delays in roll out, but implementation was well underway and the indicators were likely to be fully met by the end of the programme.

 The next Regional Steering Committee meeting is due to take place in March 2023