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Last Updated: Monday, 18 June 2007, 06:30 GMT 07:30 UK

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East Africa trade bloc expanded
By Sarah Grainger
BBC News, Kampala



Members reported increased revenues since the customs union
Rwanda and Burundi are formally to join the East African Community at a meeting in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

Leaders of the three existing members, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will welcome Rwandan President Paul Kagame and President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi.

Their membership will take effect from 1 July. Consultations are also under way on forming a political union.

The group was founded in 1999 and a customs union between the original members came into effect two years ago.

The East African Community (EAC) heads of state are expected to sign treaties of accession which will admit Rwanda and Burundi into the regional grouping.

Further integration

Although the EAC has been in existence in its current form for eight years, it is the customs union that has been the most significant development to date.

It means that member countries pay no duties on goods within the East African Community.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6762615.stm