tralac presented a training programme in Zimbabwe from 3-7 June 2013, focusing on Zimbabwe’s regional trade agenda. Funding for the programme was provided by USAID SERA – a capacity building programme for Zimbabwe. The request for the training programme came from the Ministry of Regional Integration and International Cooperation.

Zimbabwe belongs to both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA); and is also participating in the Tripartite Free Trade Area (T-FTA) negotiations. In addition Zimbabwe has several bilateral trade agreements with countries in the region; and has also signed the ESA (East and Southern Africa) Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union.

The programme focused on the following issues:

• The development of a negotiating strategy for the T-FTA, including the preparation of a tariff offer

• SADC’s legal and institutional development, including the current debate on the future of the SADC Tribunal, and the granting of derogations to member states

• Implementation of the Interim EPA Agreement

• The interface between trade, industrial and fiscal policy in Zimbabwe

Participants from the following government ministries and trade-related agencies participated in the programme:

• Ministry of Regional Integration and International Cooperation

• Ministry of Industry and Commerce

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Ministry of Finance

• Attorney General’s Office

• Zimbabwe Revenue Authority

• Ministry of Agriculture

• Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion

• Competition and Tariff Commission

• Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries

• Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce

• Zimbabwe Economic Policy and Research Unit