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Last Updated: Jul 17, 2008 - 7:36:57 AM |
According to body's 6th meeting of
ministerial task force on regional economic integration held in Zambian
capital Lusaka, on Monday, it was noted that based on implementation of
agreed tariff phase down commitments, SADC attained free trade area as
of January this year.
A statement released by SADC secretariat in Botswana capital Gaborone
today notes that Malawi, which is behind in implementing its tariff
reductions, will, with improvements in its economy, consider further
tariff reductions in terms of its FTA commitments during 2008/09
national budget.
"Task force noted that Malawi would implement its 2008 tariff
commitments before end of year depending on outcome of review of
poverty reduction and growth facility (PRGF), that it is implementing,"
the statement says.
It further states that Angola, which is in process of preparing its
tariff offer, confirmed its position communicated to ICM meeting in
June, that its offer is technically ready and will be considered by
cabinet before presentation to SADC by August.
The Task Force noted that the FTA would be launched under theme: "SADC
FTA for Growth, Development and Wealth Creation".
The organ has also noted progress made and agreed that there was
sufficient basis to launch FTA in August, as scheduled.
On SADC customs union, the statement recalled that during the November
2007 meeting, the regional body had approved establishment of technical
working groups (TWGs), in order to facilitate development of frameworks
in among others; common external tariff, legal and institutional
arrangements, revenue collection, sharing and distribution mechanism
(including a development Fund), and policy harmonisation (covering
industrial, agricultural, infrastructure, competition and other
sectoral policies).
"Task force considered and approved draft terms of reference for TWGs
and noted that Mauritius, Namibia and South Africa will submit written
comments by the end of the month for circulation and consideration at
next meeting of ministerial task force," the statement says.
It adds that task force also noted that draft road map for SADC customs
union will be updated in line with approved terms of reference of TWGs.
It further states that task force noted need for appointment or
establishment of a dedicated focal point within TIFI Directorate at
SADC Secretariat, to coordinate customs union programme and to ensure
coherence between activities of TWGs and other SADC structures that
already have mandates on aspects related to customs union.
It concludes that task force also noted that Secretariat is working
towards setting up proposed focal point.
Zambian minister of finance Peter Ngandu Magande chaired meeting
attended by all SADC member states.
Source:Ocnus.net 2008
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