Regionalism, the Uruguay Round agreement and their implications for the Abuja Treaty establishing the African Economic Community

Abstract

This paper Regionalism, the Uruguay Round Agreement and their Implications for the Abuja Treaty establishing the African Economic Community is, therefore in response to those concerns of the African Ministers of Trade. The paper is divided into four parts and concludes with recommendations. Part One deals with 'Regionalism' Here an attempt is made to define 'Regionalism' identify historical types of regionalism, and trace its evolution and link it up with the recent wave of trade/regional integration schemes that have emerged in the World Trading system, especially outside of Africa. The Records of those have been reported to the GATT as well as those that have not been formally reported to. the GATT/WTO have been reviewed. Part Two deals with the Uruguay Round Agreement and examines the commitments undertaken by Member States of the OAU/AEC by their having signed the said Agreement. Part Three deals with the Abuja Treaty, its implementation time frame; commitments undertaken by the OAU/AEC Member States in the said Treaty, particularly in the trade and customs sectors.