Regional economic communities consult on boosting Intra-African trade and the continental free trade area

Abstract

The African Trade Policy Centre of the Economic Commission for Africa, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the Secretariat of the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) organized a consultative meeting on the Continental Free Trade Area and Boosting Intra-African Trade on 30-31 May 2014. The meeting addressed the current state of trade liberalization in SADC, as well as how to implement the region’s agenda for boosting intra-Africa Trade. In addition, experts presented studies on the trade potential for the Continental Free Trade Area and Boosting intra-African Trade. The meeting discussed the principles guiding the negotiations for the CFTA and addressed related institutional arrangements. Numerous technical issues and the views of the private sector views on the CFTA/BIAT were tabled. The outcome of the report will form part of the preparations for the upcoming African Minister of Trade Conference. The BIAT Action Plans are targeted at addressing the constraints that limit intra- and inter- regional trade; they are also targeted at harnessing the opportunities found in trade for accelerated and sustainable economic growth and development.