SADC chief in the country

THE Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary Prega Ramsamy is in Namibia to attend the launch of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations.

Ramsamy paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Theo Ben Gurirab yesterday. Ramsamy said that from July to December this year the region will set up priorities to be negotiated as each country has got its problems.He said it is expected that by the year 2008 all tariff barriers would have been abolished.EPA negotiations are aimed at promoting trade and development by concluding region-to-region agreements before the end of 2007.By opening up trade between Africa and Europe, and setting clear trade rules, the EPA will also contribute to improved economic integration within the SADC region.- NampaRamsamy said that from July to December this year the region will set up priorities to be negotiated as each country has got its problems.He said it is expected that by the year 2008 all tariff barriers would have been abolished.EPA negotiations are aimed at promoting trade and development by concluding region-to-region agreements before the end of 2007.By opening up trade between Africa and Europe, and setting clear trade rules, the EPA will also contribute to improved economic integration within the SADC region.- Nampa