COMESA to keep pace with global trends

THE Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has called for faster and effective implementation of trade policy reforms and programmes in order for the economies of member states to keep pace with global trends.

COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe observed that the global trade environment was rapidly changing hence the need for member states to adjust.

“Digitisation and disruptive technologies are coming up more frequent than ever. Our programmes therefore, must aim at improvement in efficient and effective delivery of COMESA goals and aspirations in order to consolidate our position in the global village,” she explained.

Ms Kapwepwe said this at the weekend during the 39th meeting of the inter-government committee in Lusaka.

She said in order to keep pace with global trends COMESA must focus on programmes that facilitate the private sector to do business.

“Our key role therefore, lies in deepening and widening the implementation of trade facilitation programmes and projects.

“Coming with new and innovative ways of promoting intraregional trade through use of digital technology; promotion of investments into COMESA regional and industrialisation especially by focusing on agro-based industries and agribusiness is prudent,” Ms Kapwepwe said.

The event which was held under the theme ‘Towards digital economic integration’ was also attended by European Union (EU) Representative to COMESA, Alessandro Mariani together with his U.S counterpart Daniel Foote.

Zambia was represented by Commerce, Trade and Industry Ministry Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame who stressed the need for COMESA to come up with a financing model that would help the region achieve prosperity for its people and a much wider integration region.

“Our collective resolve to make COMESA an effective organisation must be measured by the support we give to the funding of COMESA. Let me take this opportunity to applaud our cooperating partners for providing financial support to the COMESA programmes,” Ms Siame said.

She explained that COMESA had continued to push forward its regional integration agenda while operating in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

“With the participation of all stakeholders, notable achievements have been realised. We note with delight and appreciation the admission of Somalia and Tunisia into COMESA at the Summit that was held here (Lusaka) in July this year.

“This will change the COMESA narrative and create new opportunities for cooperation among member states,” Ms Siame said.