By: Bathandwa Mbola


President Kgalema Motlanthe in his capacity as head of the SADC reminded the forum of the essence of expediting the process of implementation of SADC programmes.

On the issue of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), the meeting noted the need to expedite the implementation of SADC/NEPAD programmes and reflected on accelerating the pace of implementation.

Arising from the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, Tripartite Summit of COMESA, EAC and SADC, the forum also reflected on the outcomes and need to incorporate them in its programme.

Last week, the Tripartite Summit held in Uganda, agreed on a Council of Ministers to be convened within twelve months to determine the time frame for the establishment of a single Free Trade Area (FTA) comprising the three Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

The Tripartite Summit provided a platform for the three RECs to map out the way forward in building a single and integrated regional economic community while spurring economic development in Africa.

The project seeks convergence of trade and investment regulations in the three RECs as well as the free movement of persons.

With an estimated GDP of $650 billion, the envisaged project also aims to harmonise the different customs unions and other trade-related issues that have been a problem due to the overlapping membership of member states which has posed a particular challenge.

"Other important issues noted by the forum, relates to the need to foster cohesion, economic integration and regional infrastructure development among SADC countries," the presidency said in a statement.

The meeting also resolved to ensure the implementation of SADC resolutions within their respective countries.

With regards to the review of the Terms of Reference for the forum, the secretariat was mandated to develop a Draft Terms of Reference for the forum and take into account, views and opinions of member countries of the SADC.

"The president reminded the forum that they represent the institutional memory of the SADC region. Furthermore he reminded the forum on the need to develop mechanism to fast-track progress in achieving the SADC objectives and goals," according to the presidency.

Article published courtesy of BuaNews

[31 Oct 2008 13:47]

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