High-Level Brainstorming Meeting of African Trade Negotiators and Officials: Opening Statement by K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of the Econiomic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA)

Abstract

This Opening Statement delivered by K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) at the High-Level Brainstorming Meeting of African Trade Negotiators and Officials. Mr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, African countries intensify their efforts and devote their energies during the "modalities stage" of the negotiations. They must ensure that their concerns are reflected in the modalities to be agreed upon and more importantly, in the outcome of the Doha Development Agenda. The Framework on agriculture, rather than providing a clear direction on ways in which the modalities on agriculture will be defined, has left many issues unanswered. The Ad Hoc Experts Group Meeting, which preceded this forum, was intended to provide space where experts could exchange views on a range of technical issues and build a solid technical base on which your negotiating positions and strategies could be developed.