Outcome statement: Twenty-Third Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts(ICE)

Abstract

The twenty-third intergovernmental committee of experts (ICE) meeting of Southern Africa was held under the theme “Trade Facilitation in Southern Africa: Bridging the Infrastructure Gap”. The agenda adopted by the ICE session was presentation of statutory reports by SRO-SA; Presentation of the thematic report; Roundtable on financing infrastructure for accelerated regional integration and trade in Southern Africa”; Presentation of the recommendations of the AEGM on deepening regional integration in Southern Africa; and Roundtable on accelerating regional integration for sustainable socioeconomic development in Southern Africa. The committee considered three statutory reports submitted by the secretariat. The reports were on economic and social conditions in Southern Africa in 2016 and prospects for 2017; Program performance of ECA Southern Africa office; and Progress on the implementation of regional and international agendas, including NEPAD and other special initiatives in the sub region focusing on Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda. The committee also considered and adopted the recommendations of the Ad Hoc expert group meeting (AEGM) on deepening regional integration in Southern Africa: The role, prospects and progress on the tripartite free trade area.