Top African officials meet to discuss regional integration
Top African officials meet to discuss regional integrationBy Joan Chirwa
Tuesday October 09, 2007 [04:00]
TOP officials from over 40 African countries, the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are meeting in Addis Ababa for discussions on regional integration, with particular focus on intra-African trade. The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which is hosting the 5th meeting of the Committee in Trade, Regional Co-operation and Integration, notes that African countries need to enhance trade within the continent for economic growth.
Discussions at the meeting will also focus on addressing Africa's integration challenges at the national, sub regional and continental levels, with particular attention being paid to the issue of intra-African trade, which remains very low.
"In that regard, delegates will discuss how to overcome the key infrastructure and policy hurdles to improving trade within Africa and provide practical suggestions on how to significantly increase intra-African trade in the short and medium term," stated the ECA.
"Another critical issue of concern is the lack of progress in the international trade arena because trade with the outside world continues to remain a major component of Africa's total trade."
The meeting will also examine the latest developments in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiations as well as the discussions on the economic partnership arrangements (EPAs) with Europe, and assess Africa's realistic expectations and outcomes from these global trade talks.
Labels: REGIONAL INTEGRATION, TRADE
posted by MrK @ 3:29 AM
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