Africa: African largest trading bloc COMESA kicks off summit in Zimbabwe
BEIJING, — The union is the second crucial step taken by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, or COMESA, as the continent moves toward economic integration. The 19-member bloc was established in 2000 to become Africa’s first free-trade area.
As Africa’s largest trading group, the regional customs union aims to lift tariffs among member states and reduce trade barriers with third parties.
Sunday’s summit followed a Council of Ministers meeting from Tuesday to Thursday, and talks between COMESA foreign ministers on Friday and Saturday.
In other developments, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe replaced his Kenyan counterpart, Mwai Kibaki, as COMESA’s chairman.
The summit, which had originally been set for last year, was postponed twice, the first time to allow the host country Zimbabwe to complete its electoral process amd form an all-inclusive government.
The meeting was postponed again while organizers studied issues related to Free Trade Areas and common external tariffs.
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Victoria Falls. (XHTV)
Editor: Chris
Tags: South Africa