Free trade not yet a reality in SADC
2009-06-24 Pickworth, Evan (I-Net Bridge)
Resources > By Topic > REGIONAL TRADE ARRANGEMENTS > SADC
Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has urged that the outstanding issues hampering the full implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) free trade area (FTA) be addressed by ministers of the bloc.
“Business in the region welcomed the launch of the FTA in 2008”, explained Jerry Vilakazi, Chief Executive Officer of Busa. “We believe the FTA is an important initiative for deepening economic integration and growth in Southern Africa but it has not yet lived up to its potential.”
Members of the business group have identified difficulties in accessing up-to-date information on the tariffs applied by SADC members, proposing that a database be established for the region.
“Challenges exist in getting the necessary certificates of origin in some SADC countries”, Vilakazi said. “SADC members must take action to ensure that their customs officials are fully aware of the FTA and its implications. Improving trade facilitation is key for the growth of the region.”
The business community in South Africa has called on SADC trade ministers to work with Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to ensure that they will soon be able to participate fully in the FTA.
Busa has also requested that urgent steps be taken to achieve the implementation of existing commitments by SADC FTA participations, particularly Malawi and Zimbabwe.
At a meeting of SADC trade ministers in Cape Town on Friday, a range of other issues of interest to South African business were due to be discussed, with developments to be monitored closely by Busa.
“We believe there is considerable scope for greater involvement of the private sector in SADC matters”, Vilakazi stated. “We hope that trade ministers will see the value in the input we have made and consider providing more opportunities for linkages with the business community in SADC in the future.”
Published in: Resources > By Topic > REGIONAL TRADE ARRANGEMENTS > SADC