Simplified trade regime and cross-border trade in eastern DRC

Abstract

This article analyzes the effects of the simplified trade regime on the evolution of cross-border trade in eastern DRC in COMESA. The main question is how the establishment of this specific trade regime for small cross-border trade affects the volume of trade transactions between the DRC and its neighbors in the Great Lakes region, in the context of COMESA objectives. The study is carried out on the basis of an analytical approach, following the simple model for calculating the trade balance. It covers a sample of a few small cross-border traders selected at the border posts of Goli in Mahagi, Ofoo in Aru, Grande and Petite Barrière in Goma. The results obtained show that there is a non-significant effect of RECOS on cross-border trade, due to the insufficient popularization of this tool within the studied area.