Zim upbeat on AfCFTA implementation
ZIMBABWe remains optimistic on the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as most of the barriers such as trade restrictions and legal reforms were being dealt with within the context of achieving regional integration in the free trade areas that are being combined.
In an interview on Wednesday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Frederick Shava said several meetings he has attended, particularly for Comesa the regional bloc for east and southern Africa, show Africa is confident of the direction being taken towards regional integration.
“In the course of this year, we have strengthened Comesa quite a great deal by enabling members of Comesa, along the right side of the African continent to trade more closely together and to break the barriers that normally restrict their trade. We have also strengthened AfCTA by visiting all the restriction that are found on our legislation,” said Minister Shava.
“We are now busy making sure that it should be possible for someone from east Africa to trade with another country from say West Africa.
“There are some glitches here and there, but I think in terms of way forward, we are on track.”
AfTCA seeks to eliminate barriers to trade in Africa, in so doing, reducing poverty through improved intra-African trade.
To achieve this, the continent has embarked on the gradual elimination of tariffs on 90 percent of goods produced in Africa, and the reduction of barriers to trade in services aimed at increasing Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035.
The successful implementation of the AfCFTA will lead to the creation of more decent jobs, improved welfare and better quality of life for all citizenry, and sustainable development.
Beyond the policy transformation and reforms, AfCFTA seeks to ensure inclusion of women and youth, particularly those in rural areas, the development of small and medium enterprises and overall industrialisation of the continent.
Turning to conflict in the Middle east, Minister Shava said Zimbabwe was worried about the continued attack of Palestine by Israel that has left thousands of lives dead, particularly women and young people.
“We have seen the devastation Israel has caused in Gaza.
“We are not happy with that because there is a United Nations approach of a two State solution for the people of Palestine and those of Israel, so we are in support of the Palestinian people,” said Minister Shava.