Ministers underscore need to fast track Continental Free Trade Area

Abstract

Ministers and Chairpersons of 8 Regional Economic Communities attending the African Union High level Trade Committee on intra-African trade met on Saturday to discuss recommendations to be considered by the Assembly of Heads of States of the African Union in the coming 2 days. The delegates exchanged information on the rapid developments that leave no doubt as to the direction Africa is taking to deepen regional integration. At the meeting, the AUC Deputy Chairperson, Erastus Mwencha underscored that through trade, people can be uplifted to make a meaningful existence. He urged the Committee to “prioritize, sequence and monitor implementation.” On trading services, the COMESA representative underscored that in banking and communications sectors, regional integration is taking root and highlighted the presence of Eco bank in most COMESA countries. In an impassioned discussion, ministers wondered why ordinary informal traders, especially women at borders are termed ‘smugglers’ rather than traders.