Welcome and opening address

Abstract

Welcome and opening address by K. Y. Amoako Executive Secretary, UNECA at the ECA/AERC dissemination Integration and Trade Liberalization in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, this conference is not simply about AERC and ECA working together. The main goal is to provide a forum for dialogue among policymakers, African researchers. Leading international experts. Moreover, regional and international organization on regional integration and trade liberalization in Africa. In one sense, therefore, the conference should become exemplary of an effective collaboration in action. The subject matter of the conference is not divorced from the recent world developments. "Regional integration is a substitute for opening trade to the rest of the world economy!" Not true! Regional integration may be a good end in and of itself. A key concern of policymakers, especially those in gradually reforming countries, is that trade reform will fail to bring about the expected supply response and could, lead to higher unemployment.