- Honourable Members of the TIFI Committee
- Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma
- Esteemed Resource Person, Ms. Trudy Hartzenberg
- Members of the Technical Working Group on the SADC Model Law on Public Financial Management
- SADC Parliamentary Forum Secretariat
- Staff of National Parliaments
- Distinguished Participants
- Ladies and Gentlemen
- It is my singular honour, to welcome each and every one of you, to our Standing Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (TIFI) meeting, where we come together to discuss and deliberate upon crucial aspects of regional cooperation and economic integration. This year, we are holding our meeting under the theme “Collaborative Engagement on Enhancing Economic Integration through Opening up of Services, Reduction of Tariffs, and Bolstering the Transport Sector”.
- In a rapidly changing global landscape, SADC’s prosperity and competitiveness remain crucial in ensuring that the block is recognised as a major economic development player. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, regional trade and integration are key drivers of economic growth and development. Hence, it is imperative for nations to strengthen their ties, foster collaboration, and explore new opportunities that regional integration presents.
- Today’s meeting serves as a platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build upon the successes achieved so far. It is an opportunity for us to collectively address the challenges that lie ahead and chart a course towards a more prosperous and resilient SADC.
- Distinguished Honourable Members, it is imperative that we collaborate in ensuring that Member state work tirelessly to remove trade barriers, enhance connectivity, and promoting the free flow of goods, services, and investments. We can unlock new avenues for economic expansion. It is through collaboration and cooperation that we can create an environment conducive to innovation, productivity, and sustainable development.
- As we deliberate on the agenda today, I encourage each of you, to engage in open and constructive discussions. Let us leverage our collective knowledge, expertise, and experiences to identify innovative solutions, best practices, and policy frameworks that can accelerate regional trade and integration.
- Hence, Honourable Members, today’s meeting ought to achieve the following key objectives:
- to examine and analyze the legal frameworks governing trade, infrastructure development and investment within the SADC region and across Africa;
- to assess the progress and challenges in implementing tariff offers among SADC Member States;
- to evaluate the advancements in harmonizing rules of origin within the SADC region;
- to examine the developments and obstacles related to the Agreement on the Movement of Businesspersons within the SADC region;
- Review the status of industrialization studies conducted since 2018; and
- Analyze the progress made in the road transport sector regarding various agreements and laws.
8. To assist us, Honourable Members, we have sought the guidance of Ms. Trudy Hartzenberg, who is the Executive Director for the Trade Law Centre in Southern Africa (TRALAC). Ms. Hartzenberg will deliver the keynote address. providing a comprehensive overview of Regional Trade and Integration. In addition, highlight a global, continental and regional perspective, emphasizing the growing importance of trade in services alongside goods. She will highlight the interdependency between trade in goods and services, particularly in areas such as cross-border transportation services and technical standards harmonization. She has a special interest in trade-related capacity building. Her research areas include trade policy issues, regional integration, investment, industrial and competition policy.
9. I am confident that this meeting will serve as a catalyst for deeper regional cooperation. Let us seize this opportunity to build bridges, foster partnerships, and lay the foundation for a future that is defined by shared growth, prosperity, and stability.
10. As I conclude, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms Boemo Sekgoma, and the entire Secretariat staff for organising this Committee Meeting Session.
11. Once again, I extend my warmest welcome to all participants. Your presence here today is a testament to your commitment towards regional trade and integration. I look forward to the fruitful discussions and outcomes, that will emerge from our collective efforts.
I thank you all for your kind attention.
