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      Events & Activities

      Event
      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area
      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area
      7 April 2014

      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area

      Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 07 April, 2014 - The 2nd Meeting of the Continental Task Force (CTF) on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) kicked off today at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Abeba. During two days, the participants from the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and representatives from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), discussed relevant documents that are needed to launch CFTA negotiations in line with the roadmap , as reaffirmed by Heads of State and government at their Summit in January 2014.

      Negotiations for the CFTA are expected to take place in 2015-2016 and the CFTA should be launched by an indicative date of 2017. The main objectives of the CFTA are therefore, to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, and thus pave the way for accelerating the establishment of the Customs Union. It will also expand Intra African trade through better harmonization and coordination of trade liberalization and facilitation and instruments across the RECs and across Africa in general. The CFTA is also expected to enhance competitiveness at the industry and enterprise level through exploitation of opportunities for scale production, continental market access and better reallocation of resources.

      In her opening remarks, the Director for Trade and Industry, Ms. Treasure Maphanga welcomed the participants to the meeting. She noted that the role of the CTF in the CFTA negotiations is critical as it has the responsibility of coordinating and managing the CFTA process by ensuring appropriate prioritization and by tackling adequate and all relevant issues pertaining to the negotiation process. “We are requested to work jointly to make sure that we mobilize the necessary technical and financial resources that will be required for the successful negotiations at Continental level”, she emphasized.

      The meeting was attended by delegates from the following RECs: Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Community of Saharan and Sahelian States ( CENSAD).

      Event
      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area
      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area
      7 April 2014

      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area

      Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 07 April, 2014 - The 2nd Meeting of the Continental Task Force (CTF) on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) kicked off today at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Abeba. During two days, the participants from the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and representatives from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), discussed relevant documents that are needed to launch CFTA negotiations in line with the roadmap , as reaffirmed by Heads of State and government at their Summit in January 2014.

      Negotiations for the CFTA are expected to take place in 2015-2016 and the CFTA should be launched by an indicative date of 2017. The main objectives of the CFTA are therefore, to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, and thus pave the way for accelerating the establishment of the Customs Union. It will also expand Intra African trade through better harmonization and coordination of trade liberalization and facilitation and instruments across the RECs and across Africa in general. The CFTA is also expected to enhance competitiveness at the industry and enterprise level through exploitation of opportunities for scale production, continental market access and better reallocation of resources.

      In her opening remarks, the Director for Trade and Industry, Ms. Treasure Maphanga welcomed the participants to the meeting. She noted that the role of the CTF in the CFTA negotiations is critical as it has the responsibility of coordinating and managing the CFTA process by ensuring appropriate prioritization and by tackling adequate and all relevant issues pertaining to the negotiation process. “We are requested to work jointly to make sure that we mobilize the necessary technical and financial resources that will be required for the successful negotiations at Continental level”, she emphasized.

      The meeting was attended by delegates from the following RECs: Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Community of Saharan and Sahelian States ( CENSAD).

      Event
      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area
      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area
      7 April 2014

      Experts discuss the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area

      Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 07 April, 2014 - The 2nd Meeting of the Continental Task Force (CTF) on the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) kicked off today at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Abeba. During two days, the participants from the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and representatives from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), discussed relevant documents that are needed to launch CFTA negotiations in line with the roadmap , as reaffirmed by Heads of State and government at their Summit in January 2014.

      Negotiations for the CFTA are expected to take place in 2015-2016 and the CFTA should be launched by an indicative date of 2017. The main objectives of the CFTA are therefore, to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, and thus pave the way for accelerating the establishment of the Customs Union. It will also expand Intra African trade through better harmonization and coordination of trade liberalization and facilitation and instruments across the RECs and across Africa in general. The CFTA is also expected to enhance competitiveness at the industry and enterprise level through exploitation of opportunities for scale production, continental market access and better reallocation of resources.

      In her opening remarks, the Director for Trade and Industry, Ms. Treasure Maphanga welcomed the participants to the meeting. She noted that the role of the CTF in the CFTA negotiations is critical as it has the responsibility of coordinating and managing the CFTA process by ensuring appropriate prioritization and by tackling adequate and all relevant issues pertaining to the negotiation process. “We are requested to work jointly to make sure that we mobilize the necessary technical and financial resources that will be required for the successful negotiations at Continental level”, she emphasized.

      The meeting was attended by delegates from the following RECs: Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Community of Saharan and Sahelian States ( CENSAD).

      Event
      Action Plan for Boosting Intra-African Trade and Fast-Tracking the Establishment
      6 April 2014
      Event
      Intra-African Tade Yearbook 2012
      1 April 2014
      Event
      Synthesis Paper on Boosting Intra-African Trade
      25 March 2014
      Event
      Customs experts reflects on rules of origins in the effort to establish the Continental Free Trade Area
      Customs experts reflects on rules of origins in the effort to establish the Cont
      24 March 2014

      Customs experts reflects on rules of origins in the effort to establish the Continental Free Trade Area

      Dakar, Senegal – 24 March 2014 - The first African Union consultative meeting on Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) Rules of Origin kicked off today in the Senegalese capital. Convened at the initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, the meeting was co-organized with the Customs Directorate of Senegal.

      Within two days, participants, for the most part, delegates of Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) will reflect on the need to implement action plans to promote and strengthen Intra-African Trade in an effort to create the African Common Market. Customs experts will make concrete proposals to be submitted first to the Directors Generals and later on to the trade ministers for them to make decisions on rules of origin.

      In his opening remarks, Mr. Jean-Nöel FRANÇOIS, Head of Delegation of the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission welcomed the consultative meeting as one of the pillars of the development of the Continental Free Trade Area through the Continental Rules of origin. "Africa is increasingly recognized as the next growth pole. It belongs to our countries to seize the opportunity of this favorable situation so that we can regain our rightful place in international trade, "he reiterated.

      Taking the floor, Mr. Guidado SOW, Director of Regulation and International Cooperation of Senegal, expressed his gratitude to the African Union Commission for the nomination of his country to host the consultative meeting on rules of origin. He also explained that the rules of origin are used to determine the original country of origin of goods in the international trade field. To this end, the fact of establishing a geographical link between goods in a given country where they are actually made, can establish good trade policy in the context of preferential trade agreements, including those from free exchange areas. "I remain convinced that African states can apply their trade policy measures only if they are able to determine the origin of imported products," he stressed. He then invited the participants to open debate on all issues on the agenda in order to provide a framework for rules of origin to facilitate the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area.

      This meeting is conducted in line with the recommendations contained in the report of the 5th Ordinary Meeting of the Subcommittee of Customs Directors General of the African Union, held 12 - 13 September 2013 in Cotonou under the theme: "Towards a trade facilitation Strategy for the Continental Free Trade Area".

      Event
      Customs experts reflects on rules of origins in the effort to establish the Continental Free Trade Area
      Customs experts reflects on rules of origins in the effort to establish the Cont
      24 March 2014

      Customs experts reflects on rules of origins in the effort to establish the Continental Free Trade Area

      Dakar, Senegal – 24 March 2014 - The first African Union consultative meeting on Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) Rules of Origin kicked off today in the Senegalese capital. Convened at the initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, the meeting was co-organized with the Customs Directorate of Senegal.

      Within two days, participants, for the most part, delegates of Member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) will reflect on the need to implement action plans to promote and strengthen Intra-African Trade in an effort to create the African Common Market. Customs experts will make concrete proposals to be submitted first to the Directors Generals and later on to the trade ministers for them to make decisions on rules of origin.

      In his opening remarks, Mr. Jean-Nöel FRANÇOIS, Head of Delegation of the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission welcomed the consultative meeting as one of the pillars of the development of the Continental Free Trade Area through the Continental Rules of origin. "Africa is increasingly recognized as the next growth pole. It belongs to our countries to seize the opportunity of this favorable situation so that we can regain our rightful place in international trade, "he reiterated.

      Taking the floor, Mr. Guidado SOW, Director of Regulation and International Cooperation of Senegal, expressed his gratitude to the African Union Commission for the nomination of his country to host the consultative meeting on rules of origin. He also explained that the rules of origin are used to determine the original country of origin of goods in the international trade field. To this end, the fact of establishing a geographical link between goods in a given country where they are actually made, can establish good trade policy in the context of preferential trade agreements, including those from free exchange areas. "I remain convinced that African states can apply their trade policy measures only if they are able to determine the origin of imported products," he stressed. He then invited the participants to open debate on all issues on the agenda in order to provide a framework for rules of origin to facilitate the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area.

      This meeting is conducted in line with the recommendations contained in the report of the 5th Ordinary Meeting of the Subcommittee of Customs Directors General of the African Union, held 12 - 13 September 2013 in Cotonou under the theme: "Towards a trade facilitation Strategy for the Continental Free Trade Area".

      Event
      The 7th Edition of the Africa–Arab Fair to be held in Casablanca, Morocco
      The 7th Edition of the Africa–Arab Fair to be held in Casablanca, Morocco
      19 March 2014

      Africa-Arab Trade fair,29-23 March 2014,Casablanca,Kingdom of Morocco.

      The 7th Edition of the Africa-Arab Fair, 19-23 March 2014 hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco under the theme "Health and Development”.

      Jointly organized by the African Union Commission, office of Fair and Exhibition of Casablanca (O.F.E.C ), and the League of Arab States, this edition is devoted to focus on health sectors including pharmaceuticals and dentistry with the aim of developing and strengthening

      partnership between the two regions in the area of pharmaceutical industry, health and development.

      In their welcoming remarks Mr. Mahammed Abbou, Minister of External , professor El - Hussain Louardi ,Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Hafiz Alamine ,minister of industry, trade, investment and digital economy, Mr. Aziz Alamine, Director General of office of fair and Exhibition of Casablanca(O.F.E.C), Amb. Semir Nasir, Assistance of the General Secretary and Mr.Nadir fath Elalim, Representative from the African Union Commission (AUC) thanked the King of Morocco, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Government of Morocco for convening the fair and for providing assistance and support for the success of this important event. In addition they appreciated the African Union Commission the League of Arab States and the Arab Bank for Economic development in Africa (BADEA) for their cooperation in the preparation and coordination of the fair.

      On the margin of the fair, the Africa Union Commission, namely the department of Trade and Industry together with the department of social affairs organized a seminar on Trade in health services, TRIPS and public health on 22 March 2014 with the objectives of bringing together stakeholders in trade in services medical and health care sector to discuss and update the current status of the health service industry, sharing experiences and knowledge among private sectors on issues of global health dimensions. The seminar also comprises a brief presentation by Ms. Carolyne on Trade in health services and Dr. Benjamin from social affairs on PMPA which address different questions and suggestion. Besides organizing a seminar the department of Trade and Industry also participated in the "promotion of commercial Exchanges between the Arab and African countries in the health sector" forum organized by Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) on 21 March 2014.

      The African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, members of the league of Arab States and different institutions participated in the fair.

      For more information please visit our website www.au.int.org.

      Event
      The 7th Edition of the Africa–Arab Fair to be held in Casablanca, Morocco
      The 7th Edition of the Africa–Arab Fair to be held in Casablanca, Morocco
      19 March 2014

      Africa-Arab Trade fair,29-23 March 2014,Casablanca,Kingdom of Morocco.

      The 7th Edition of the Africa-Arab Fair, 19-23 March 2014 hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco under the theme "Health and Development”.

      Jointly organized by the African Union Commission, office of Fair and Exhibition of Casablanca (O.F.E.C ), and the League of Arab States, this edition is devoted to focus on health sectors including pharmaceuticals and dentistry with the aim of developing and strengthening

      partnership between the two regions in the area of pharmaceutical industry, health and development.

      In their welcoming remarks Mr. Mahammed Abbou, Minister of External , professor El - Hussain Louardi ,Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Hafiz Alamine ,minister of industry, trade, investment and digital economy, Mr. Aziz Alamine, Director General of office of fair and Exhibition of Casablanca(O.F.E.C), Amb. Semir Nasir, Assistance of the General Secretary and Mr.Nadir fath Elalim, Representative from the African Union Commission (AUC) thanked the King of Morocco, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the Government of Morocco for convening the fair and for providing assistance and support for the success of this important event. In addition they appreciated the African Union Commission the League of Arab States and the Arab Bank for Economic development in Africa (BADEA) for their cooperation in the preparation and coordination of the fair.

      On the margin of the fair, the Africa Union Commission, namely the department of Trade and Industry together with the department of social affairs organized a seminar on Trade in health services, TRIPS and public health on 22 March 2014 with the objectives of bringing together stakeholders in trade in services medical and health care sector to discuss and update the current status of the health service industry, sharing experiences and knowledge among private sectors on issues of global health dimensions. The seminar also comprises a brief presentation by Ms. Carolyne on Trade in health services and Dr. Benjamin from social affairs on PMPA which address different questions and suggestion. Besides organizing a seminar the department of Trade and Industry also participated in the "promotion of commercial Exchanges between the Arab and African countries in the health sector" forum organized by Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) on 21 March 2014.

      The African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, members of the league of Arab States and different institutions participated in the fair.

      For more information please visit our website www.au.int.org.

      Event
      Stakeholders Strategic Retreat 9 – 11 February 2014
      Stakeholders Strategic Retreat 9 – 11 February 2014
      9 February 2014
      Event
      Stakeholders Strategic Retreat 9 – 11 February 2014
      Stakeholders Strategic Retreat 9 – 11 February 2014
      9 February 2014

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