ECOWAS launches 40 million Euro trade integration project

A €40million economic integration and trade support programme has been launched by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The programme seeks to accelerate the process of achieving customs union by supporting the ECOWAS Commission improve the Trade Liberalisation Scheme, develop a common trade policy, facilitate the harmonisation of trade related policies and statistical data, as well as disseminating trade related information.

The three-year project is a partnership among the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the World Bank and German Development Cooperation Agency, GIZ.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Kadre Desire Ouedrago, says the launch marks the conclusion of a long partnership process whose governing texts were signed in Strasbourg in November 2008.

“This welcome commitment is once again reflected by the significant contribution of EUR 40 million in support of the economic and trade integration process and the West African private sector competitiveness support programme,” he said. “Indeed, while ensuring the common markets, the projects enable our region’s integration into the global economy while ensuring the competitiveness of our private sector by improving the business climate”.

The ECOWAS President commended the choice of the project’s components, which he said, “not only contribute to addressing the challenges in the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), but also asserts the important role of the private sector plays in promoting West African integration”.

Mr. Ouedrago also reiterates the political commitment to driving these sectors, and commends the leadership of the Heads of State and Government, particularly regarding the free movement of goods and persons, in the implementation of the trade liberalisation schemes, as well as the provision of quality regional infrastructures.

“It is obvious that the ultimate goal of these projects is economic growth and poverty reduction. The goal can however not be attained without taking due account of the new social challenges. Nor can it be achieved without the consolidation of peace, stability and democracy in West Africa,” he said.

West Africa could be the next emerging region in the world if the bloc improves access to markets, makes conscious effort in addressing the challenges of competitiveness, said the European Union Ambassador to ECOWAS.

Ambassador Michel Arrion said West African economies have
managed to, and are still growing despite the challenges it is grappling with.

With abundant natural resources, and irrespective of constraints, West Africa could consider these “as opportunities, which if addressed, could allow the region to leap frog in its development quest,” said the diplomat.

At a press conference held on the sidelines of the launching, Ambassador Arrion told journalists: “This project will help West Africa manufacturers to produce ‘Made in ECOWAS’ goods. It will help manufacturers produce quality products that West Africa consumers want to buy – the quality and the price has to be right. If the private sector is producing the right products for the consumers, there is a huge market here in West Africa for its consumption…”