Failure to implement hampers regional integration

Seretse PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Seretse PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Investment, Trade and Industry minister, Vincent Seretse has expressed concern at the failure by some Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to implement the 15-point action matrix, saying it hampers deeper regional integration.

The 15-point action matrix focuses on the review of rules of origin, completion of tariff phase downs, removal of non-tariff barriers, and facilitation or development of a mechanism to assist those member states that are not yet in the Free Trade Area (FTA) to participate therein.

At the 28th meeting of the committee of ministers of trade, Seretse said SADC ministers of trade continue to be confronted and meeting over the same issues, with very little progress made in resolving them.

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