Africa International Trade Centre: housing the africa trade desk, the africa arab trade desk, the africa arab asian desk and the global trade desk

Abstract

This document presents a proposal for the Africa International Trade Centre (AITC) to become the Focal Point for the implementation of the "Master Plan" for Africa, under the guidance of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The goal is to strengthen and facilitate trade relations between African, Arab, and Asian countries, promoting Africa as a manufacturing hub, enhancing economic growth, and generating foreign income. The AITC, housed in the Carlton International Trade Centre (CITC) in South Africa, offers an ideal infrastructure for the implementation and monitoring of this plan. It will provide a platform for regular meetings of trade ministers, offer critical services for international trade promotion, and support investment opportunities. The proposal emphasizes the need for continuous collaboration and investment in the manufacturing sector to reduce Africa's reliance on raw material exports and develop inter-regional trade.