The essence is to ensure the formulation process of the ECOWAS Common Trade Policy the ECOWAS Trade and Investment Promotion Strategy, and the ECOWAS Trade Fair Guidelines
The event which was held in Lagos Nigeria brought together Trade Experts from Member States, representatives of the ECOWAS Commission, GIZ, and AFREXIMBANK, to consider the roadmap for the finalization of the regional trade policy of the region.
Speaking during the opening session the Director General of the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Guinea Bissau and Chair of the meeting, Mr. Lassana Fati, calls for a robust commitment to deepen regional integration and economic development which the region craves.
Thus urging for actionable recommendations that would enrich the formulation and implementation of regional trade instruments.
Meanwhile, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Toure-Litse, represented by the Acting Director of Trade, Kolawole Sofola, is aimed at meeting the requirements of the 2nd Joint ECOWAS Ministers of Trade and Industry directives held in November 2022 on the finalization of the key Regional Trade Policy Instruments by June 2023.
He, therefore, appealed to the participants to put their expertise to bear to improve the documents under consideration.
They were optimistic that in-country, State, and Non-State consultations will provide a level playing ground for the finalization of the key Regional Trade Policy Instruments in ECOWAS states.
