Trade faciliation and liberalization within the subregional economic groupings PTA, SADCC and SACU

Abstract

This study examines preferential and other related measures adopted by subregional economic groupings of East and Southern African countries aimed at facilitation and liberalization of trade within the respective economic groupings: the Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern African (PTA)1; the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference (SADCC)2; and the South African Customs Union Agreement (SACU)3. It should also be noted that the analysis is part of an overall review by the ECA secretariat of progress made in the gradual liberalization of trade in the various subregional groupings towards the establishment of common markets and economic communities in the sub regions.