Pre-conditions for regional economic integration

Abstract

The most successful example of regional economic integration is the Central American Common Market which has demonstrably speeded up industrialization and the general economic progress of the countries concerned. The East African Common Market provides an instructive contrast. In this case, the initial pre-conditions also appeared favorable. The countries concerned had a long tradition of close association under British colonial administrations, a common system of services and infra-structure had been developed and operated. Yet, in spite of this, regional cooperation between the three countries concerned struck many r0cks within a short time after independence.