African collaboration to ensure trade aid

Organised by the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, the Conference of AU Ministers of Trade took place under the chairmanship of Xavier Carim, deputy director general of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Africa, in the presence of Pascal Lamy, director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Elizabeth Tankeu, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Commissioner Elizabeth Tankeu said, Africans have to speak with one strong and united voice within the international community as well as in trade negotiations.

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Trade underscored the need to harmonise timelines and the positions among African countries and regions in EPAs negotiating process particularly on contentious issues and in areas of common interest.

They also recommended the need for African countries to intensify preparations and participate in the Aid for Trade process so as to ensure that the modalities for implementing aid for trade is effectively addressed.

The ministers however exchanged views on the financial crisis and its impact on trade and development in Africa amongst other things.

Participants at the 5th AU Conference of Ministers of Trade includea: representatives from the AU Member States, NEPAD, East African Communities (EAC), ECOWAS, UEMOA, COMESA, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), International Lawyers and Economics against Poverty (ILEAP), World Bank, World Trade Organisation (WTO) and world trade universities.

Source: African Union Commission (AUC)