AFRICAN UNION - AU



|AFRICAN UNION | |UNION AFRICAINE |

| |[pic] | |

|[pic] | |UNIÃO AFRICANA |

|Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 3243 Telephone 517 700 Fax : 517844 |

AU CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF TRADE

6TH ORDINARY SESSION

29 OCTOBER - 02 NOVEMBER, 2010

KIGALI, RWANDA

AU/TD/MIN/RPT

Original: English

DRAFT

REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE OF

MINISTERS OF TRADE

REPORT OF THE 6th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS OF TRADE,

1-2 NOVEMBER 2010, KIGALI, RWANDA

INTRODUCTION

1. The Sixth Ordinary Session of the AU Conference of Ministers of Trade was convened at Ministerial level on 1st and 2nd November, 2010, at Serena Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting was declared open by H.E. Bernard Makuza, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda. The Conference was addressed by H.E. Mr. Erastus Mwencha, the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, H.E Pascal Lamy, the Director General of the WTO and also by H.E. Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa, outgoing Chairperson. H.E. Hon Mrs Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Minister of Trade and Industry of Rwanda give a welcoming address.

ATTENDANCE

2. The following Member States participated in the meeting: Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Republic), Côte D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

3. The following Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and partner organizations participated in the meeting: CENSAD, COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, SADC, AERC, AFREXIMBANK, East African Business Council (EABC), ECDPM, ILEAP, ITC, OIF, South Centre, Third World Network, UNECA, UNCTAD, UNDP, World Bank, WTO. The full list of participants is attached as Annex 1.

PROCEEDINGS

Agenda Item 1: Opening of the Meeting

Statement by the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Rwanda

4. In her welcoming note, the Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Rwanda, welcomed Ministers and delegates to the 6th Ordinary Session of African Union Conference of Ministers of Trade. While underscoring the critical role of trade and investment as major pillars of development, she explained that the Ministerial Conference has the twin objectives of bringing together African Ministers of Trade to critically review and assess the challenges of intra-African trade. She further noted that this year’s Conference has endeavored to bring private sector to participate in order for Member States to benefit from their experience based on evidence analysis. The second objective of the Conference was to reflect on critical issues in the international trade arena, with a view to harmonizing Africa’s position on a number of issues, especially the WTO and EPA negotiations, and to ensure that the development agenda continues to remain at the heart of the negotiations. She underlined the need for these processes to ensure a win-win situation for Africa. She concluded by thanking the AU Member States for giving Rwanda the opportunity to host the 6th Ministerial Conference, while expressing condolences to Mrs. Elisabeth Tankeu, AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry for her recent loss.

Statement by the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission

5. In his Statement, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission thanked the Government of the Republic of Rwanda for accepting to host the 6th Conference of the African Union Ministers of Trade. He urged Ministers to provide political guidance and take decisions on trade issues that are critical to the development of Africa; these issues include deepening Africa’s market integration through increased intra and inter-regional trade as well as strengthening trade with other partners. He noted that Africa faces a major challenge of increasing the size and quality of its trade and investment flows. In this regard, he indicated that the AUC expected the Conference to come up with strong recommendations on intra-Africa trade and develop an action plan for the accelerated achievement of Africa’s market integration.

6. The Deputy Chairperson further noted the impact on Africa of the global financial crisis due to its weak national and regional markets and the dominance of raw materials and commodities in its export structures. On strengthening regional integration in Africa, the Deputy Chairperson commended the efforts of the COMESA, EAC and SADC Member States to establish a Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA) and urged other regions to consider replicating such an initiatives. On Africa- China relations, he noted the interest that has been generated by the growing involvement of China in many Africa economies and emphasized the need to ensure that such trade relations are consistent with the development aspirations of Africa and mutually beneficial.

7. On EPA negotiations, he urged for the deliberations of this Conference to feed into the forthcoming Africa EU Summit scheduled to take place in Libya so as to enable political intervention at the highest level. On AGOA, he emphasized the importance of sending a clear message to the US policy makers on post AGOA options and on US trade preferences reforms to ensure that the interests of African countries are taken into account. He concluded by thanking the development partners for their technical and financial support to the Conference.

Statement by the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

8. In his opening remarks, the Director General (DG) of the WTO noted that the Ministerial Conference is set in the context of an encouraging recovery of Africa, and that the continent’s growth is expected to exceed 6.5%. The DG also noted that in order to place trade in its rightful position of being the driver of economic growth and development, Africa’s trade portfolio needs to expand through export diversification. There is need to reduce dependency in primary commodities and extractive sector exports and broaden the export markets beyond the traditional ones by focusing on other markets like Asia and Latin America

9. The DG informed the audience that Aid for Trade (AfT) can help overcome the major constraint to intra-African trade, and that the WTO is working towards the Third Global Trade Review in order to better target AfT needs. The DG stressed that the WTO has helped protect trade from protectionism as a response to the crisis, and reiterated his determination to conclude the Doha Development Round. On a final note, the SG also noted that Africa is leaving the crisis behind as a fast growing region, which will need to continue to fight for an open, rules-based trading system in order to overcome its persisting supply-side constraints, and underscored that the WTO remains the main instrument for the continent to achieve this objective.

Statement by the Minister of Trade and Industry Republic of South Africa

10. The Outgoing Chairman first expressed his gratitude for the hosting arrangements made by the Rwandan Government. He recalled that the Ministerial Conference in Addis Ababa last year was held in the aftermath of the global economic crisis, which also impacted adversely on African economies although there have since been some recovery, this recovery has been uneven and still fragile. The Chairman also noted that the centre of gravity of the world economy is shifting southwards and eastwards, as more dynamic economies such as China, India and Brazil take the lead.

11. The Chairman underscored that this ministerial Conference gives an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and how to face new challenges, in order to prioritize intra-African trade and the regional integration agenda. He also expressed the need to promote cross-regional integration efforts by supporting initiatives such as the establishment of the Tripartite FTA among the countries of COMESA, EAC and SADC, as a stepping stone towards continental integration.

12. The Chairman stated that an early and successful conclusion to the Doha Round is vital, and that agriculture negotiations need to have the highest level of ambition and speed for Africa, in order to reduce trade distorting domestic subsidies and to open up markets for African exporters. On Aid for Trade, the Chairman stressed the need to continue insisting on additionality of resources and Africa. It is very important that Africa speaks with one voice on this and other trade matters at the regional and global level.

Keynote address by Guest of Honor, the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda

13. The Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda delivered the key note address. He began by extending a warm welcome to the Ministers and participants to Rwanda on behalf of his Government. He stated that as the Conference was focusing on the crucial subject of intra-African trade, it was important to reassess the state of play on this agenda and come up with far-reaching decision to improve the situation. He emphasized the importance of trade as an engine of growth and its potential to help alleviate poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa. It was encouraging therefore that African countries were making strides to mainstream trade and regional integration in their national policies and plans. However, he pointed out that over the past three decades Africa’s position in global trade continue on a downward trend.

14. He noted that It was therefore imperative for the Conference to also address the question of integrating the economies of Africa in order to create a larger continental economic and market space that would be germane for attracting greater investments to the continent. In that context, African countries need to work on developing viable infrastructural networks, productive capacities and competitiveness. On aid for trade, he emphasized the need for this initiative not to be viewed as a substitute for market access offerings for Africa. He said that it was imperative for Africa’s development partners to still open up their markets to African exports and eliminate barriers to Africa’s trade with them, while using Aid-for-Trade as a viable instrument to supporting productive capacity development and continental infrastructures in Africa. He then declared the meeting open.

Agenda Item 2: ELECTION OF THE BUREAU

15. The meeting elected the following Bureau:

Chairperson  : Rwanda (East Africa)

1st Vice-Chairperson : Gabon (central Africa)

2nd Vice-Chairperson : Tunisia (North Africa)

3rd Vice-Chairperson : Mali (West Africa)

Rapporteur : Zambia (Southern Africa)

Agenda Item 3: Consideration and Adoption of the Agenda

16. The Meeting considered and adopted its Agenda without amendment.

Agenda Item 4: Organization of Work

17. The Meeting adopted the following working hours

Morning 09:00 to 13:00

Afternoon 14:30 to 18:00

Agenda Item 5: Presentation of the Report of Senior Officials and Consideration of Recommendations contained therein.

18. The Report of Senior Officials was presented by the Chair of the Meeting of Senior Officials. He dwelt mainly on the recommendations made by the Senior Officials and submitted them to the Ministers for their consideration.

19. Ministers took note of the Report and made the following observations and recommendations under each item:

Intra-African Trade:

20. The following observations were made:

- Gabon rejected the statement made by ECCAS on the lack of political will of ECCAS Member States in paragraph 15;

- Disagreement was expressed on the argument contained in paragraph 30 regarding the regional integration process;

Recommendations:

a) The establishment of a continental FTA should be fast tracked;

b) in this regard, the AUC and UNECA should develop modalities to examine the challenges and opportunities of such an FTA and share with the RECs.

c) A developmental integration agenda that would look beyond market integration and focus on other issues such as developing regional markets, infrastructural development and policy coordination aimed at building and strengthening productive capacities should be developed;

d) A program on trade facilitation and elimination of trade obstacles with a view to improving intra-African trade should be developed by the African Union Commission working in collaboration with the RECs, taking into account existing trade facilitation programmes;

e) The One Stop Border Post concept should be promoted as a way to enhancing trade facilitation and wipe out corrupt practices;

f) As part of the overall AU/RECs coordination processes, the coordination and consultations with respect to Trade Facilitation should be strengthened.

g) Given the implications of piracy to trade, , relevant Government authorities should consider the establishment of Coast Guard Forces to curb the menace of piracy

h) This should be followed up by the full implementation of UN laws on international waters as well as the prosecution of the pirates;

i) The AU Commission should engage all apex bodies of the private sector in Africa to come up with an agreed platform of private sector engagement

African Common Market for Agricultural Products:

Recommendations:

a) Further analysis should be undertaken by the AUC/ECA on the implications of the proposal to establish an African Common Market for Agricultural Products before any decision is made on the proposal in view of the already existing provisions of the Abuja Treaty;

b) The AU Commission should explore, under its Partnership initiatives, the avenues for enhanced cooperation in agriculture and agricultural investment.

Trade Partnership

Africa-China Trade

21. The Ministers made the following observations:

- The need to take into account concerns for the protection of the environment, outsourcing technology transfer, employment conditions in negotiations of trade relations with China;

- These issues can be addressed in the context of the eight commitments that China has undertaken during the Ministerial Conference at FOCAC held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in November 2009. These include:

i) Partnership on climate change’

ii) Cooperation on Science and Technology;

iii) Capacity Building;

iv) Agriculture

v) Medical Care and Health;

vi) Human Resource Development and Education;

vii) People to people cultural exchanges’ and

viii) Opening up of Chinese markets to African products.

Recommendations:

a) African countries should explore the development of a collective strategy to guide their trade relations with China, from both regional and continental perspectives in order to maximize opportunities.

b) China has made commitments in Africa-China fora, including at the last Sharm El Sheikh Summit in November 2009, to support Africa in areas such as capacity building, agriculture, market access especially for manufactured goods, and investment. Efforts should be made to ensure that continents made by China are enhanced and translated into a long-term initiative with a view to achieving greater levels of market access especially for manufactures.

AGOA

- The Ministers proposed that all the recommendations under AGOA could be captured in a Declaration;

- The paragraph (i) in the recommendations be included in the proposed AGOA Declaration ; and

- That the last bullet of paragraph 49 should be included in the recommendations.

Recommendations :

a) Political leaders and the Diplomatic Corps in Washington should lobby the US administration for the extension of AGOA beyond 2015 including the extension of the third country fabric beyond 2012;

b) Ensure the preservation of the original goals of AGOA which are aimed at promoting economic development through trade and capacity building.

c) Develop clear national, sub-regional and continental strategies to increase exports and foreign direct investment between US and Africa.

d) Broaden product coverage of AGOA to include commodities in which African has comparative advantage;

e) US aid for trade should be expanded and targeted at addressing or eliminating the constraints facing African countries in their efforts to diversify their economies and increase their share of global trade, including under AGOA.

f) US support should also be targeted at building of SPS and technical standards, in order to take advantage of market access in the US;

g) Strengthen regional integration and promotion of intra-African trade as a platform for increased competitiveness of Africa in the global economy and meeting challenges in post-AGOA era.

h) African countries should benchmark themselves against the Asian countries, who are clearly out-competing them in the US market.

i) Operationalise a review and monitoring mechanism of AGOA involving the AUC, UNECA and the RECs.

j) Establish partnerships between the private sector in Africa and the US.

k) Urge the US to take cognizance of and find solutions to any adverse impact of administrative measures taken against a specific AGOA beneficiary country on, inter alia, the national economies of other AGOA beneficiary countries and integration processes;

l) AGOA beneficiary countries and the US should implement AGOA recommendation and resolutions made at the end of each AGOA Forum. In this regard, the AU Commission should be given a greater coordinating role in the AGOA process, including strengthening the AU Mission in Washington to effectively host the Secretariat for the African group, particularly in the run-up to the review of preferential trade arrangements by the Us Congress to ensure that Africa’s gains from AGOA are sustained. This includes developing a follow-up mechanism or implementation plan by January 31st 2011.

m) A Declaration should be prepared that will include the above recommendations.

Review of Multilateral Trade Negotiations

WTO

22. Ministers took note of the Report and adopted the Declaration.

EPA

23. Ministers took note of the Report and observed that the Joint ACP-EU Ministerial Joint Committee meeting held in Brussels on 22 October 2010 should be mentioned in paragraph 54 of the Report of Senior Officials, including developments at that meeting which highlighted the undertaking by the EC to show flexibility in the EPA negotiations and the ACP insistence on a number of objective criteria to evaluate the implementation at regular intervals. These include:

- The achievement of the MDGs;

- Industrial production, in particular manufacturing;

- Agricultural production;

- The level of imported products processing;

- Intra regional trade;

- Intra ACP trade;

- ACP-EU Trade;

- The price of raw materials (agricultural and/or mining);

- The parity of transaction currencies;

- Official development assistance and net financing of ACP countries;

- Foreign direct investment.

24. It was however noted that these observations have already been reflected in the draft EPA Declaration.

25. A proposal was made for the AUC highest authority to engage in high level dialogue with the EC prior to the Africa-Europe Summit given that the proposal to hold such a dialogue since the last Lisbon Summit never materialized.

Recommendations:

a) Took due note of the Common Position Paper prepared in Lusaka, Zambia, during the last AU-RECs coordination meeting as a possible basis for political engagement with the EU;

b) Urge African political leaders, at the highest level, to bring their influence to bear on the negotiations process with a view to unlock the current lockjam;

c) Call on the Chairperson of the AU Commission to engage politically with the EC prior to the Africa-Europe Summit;

d) Considered and adopted the EPA Declaration.

Tobacco

Recommendations:

a) Took into account the seriousness and urgency of the issue as well as decisions already taken at COMESA and all ACP levels and the need for solidarity.

Adopted the draft Declaration.

Aid for Trade

a) Urged substantial increase of financial resources of the Enhanced Integrated Framework given exacerbated challenges facing LDCs in the aftermath of the global financial and economic crisis. Such financial contributions should be adequate, additional, predictable, sustained and with minimal conditionality.

b) Emphasized consolidation of existing funds and initiatives for LDCs and caution against undue proliferation of new funds and initiatives that may lead to mere reshuffling on existing resources

c) Urge the effective coordination and participation of Member States and the RECs in the third global review on Aid for Trade taking place in Geneva, Switzerland in July 2011

d) Further urged UNECA/ATPC, AUC and the AfDB to support Member States and RECs in filling the Aid for Trade questionnaires and preparing their case stories

e) Called for a clear distinction between aid for trade and general aid for development resources

UNCTAD Report on LDCs

26. Ministers took note of the Report pending its formal release on 25th November 2010

On LDC IV Conference

Recommendations:

a) Took note of the LDC Conference to be held in Istanbul, Turkey from 30May to 03 June, 2011.

b) Urged Member States to ensure adequate preparation and participation in the LDC IV Conference including holding preparatory meetings to coordinate positions

c) Called upon UNCTAD and other development agencies to ensure that preparatory activities are transparent and inclusive;.

d) Called upon development partners to ensure additional predictable and untied ODA for budget support to LDCs in view of their limited scope for domestic resource mobilisation

Agenda Item 6: Panel discussion on “The way forward in promoting intra-African trade”

27. Under this agenda item, a panel discussion on the theme: “THE WAY FORWARD IN PROMOTING INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE” , moderated by the Chairlady H.E. Mrs. Monique NSANZABAGANWA saw the participation of the Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission H.E. Mr. Erastus O. MWENCHA, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Mr. Pascal LAMY, Ministers, representatives of the ADB, the UNECA and the Private Sector. In her preliminary remarks, the Chairlady emphasised the importance of Intra-African trade, stated the objective of this agenda item, and thereafter introduced to the panelists.

28. The Deputy Chairperson of the AUC at the onset, anchored his submission on the provisions of the Abuja Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community and pointed out that significant progress had been made in some RECs, while others were lagging behind. Focusing on the importance of Trade and some of its linkages, namely value addition, reduction of unemployment and poverty, achieving greater global competition, he also highlighted Africa’s dependence on foreign markets for its exports and its heavy reliance on trade preferences which today is clearly insufficient to achieve industrialization.

29. He clarified certain misconceptions in regard to rivalry of African countries in producing the same goods, the multiplicity of RECs and the difficulty of a Member country to belong to two or more Customs Unions. Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs) is becoming the most effective NTB but the biggest obstacle to trade in Africa is the lack of transport infrastructure. He concluded by indicating the way forward, notably, a stronger focus on an African Free Trade Area and using the domestic market to expand development.

30. The WTO Director General emphasised that Africa had the same challenges and weaknesses as other countries but also some specifics. The regional integration background is either political, economical or both. He used statistics to list some of the specifics of Africa, notably, poverty, a scattered geographical distribution of population, a high level of landlocked countries, remoteness from the richer markets and lesser involvement of the private sector. However, Africa also has certain strengths which have the potential of converting its constraints into opportunities, notably, the proximity of markets.

31. The following recommendations were floated by him as a way to address Africa’s challenges:

• The involvement of all stakeholders in the political process

• Regional specialisation

• Greater attention to Trade in services

• Addressing the issue of infrastructure

• Need for development partners to focus more on the regional dimension.

32. He concluded his submission by reminding the meeting that the first two regional integration arrangements, notably SACU and EAC were founded in Africa.

33. Ministers also made some interventions and most agreed that the greatest obstacle to trade in Africa was poor transport infrastructure. However, the heavy reliance on exports of primary products and commodities, poor information and delivery networks, different standards, absence of adequate industrial capacity, poor interconnectivity and a low level of consumption also account for the low trade performance.

34. The vision of continental integration enshrined in the Abuja Treaty is far from being achieved although some progress has been recorded in the regions. There is need to integrate African economies through creation of a more attractive business environment, harmonisation of trade policies, greater political will, and development of a public sector/private sector partnership culture. Investment from partners into value addition of Africa’s primary products is also imperative for Africa’s development but the determinants for such investments are many and complex within a free market system. The meeting was also advised that while the 10% intra-African trade figure appear alarming, the level of informal trade is quite high. Also, there are regions in the world where the level of intra-regional trade is less than in the African regions.

35. The panel was concluded by a call from the Chairlady for stronger determination in carrying out the trade and integration agenda.

Agenda Item 7: Panel discussion on Africa’s participation in global trade and international trade negotiation

36. The Director General of the WTO, introduced the Panel Discussion on Africa’s participation in global trade and international negotiations, noting the importance of concluding the Doha Development Round for Africa. He noted that it is not the African group which is delaying the conclusion of the DDR because it is clear that Africa would mostly benefit from it. The DG stressed that a lot of time has been spent during negotiations on tariff barriers and that these are bound to decrease in the future. Once the round is over, the focus should now be on technical standards and financing of international trade among other issues. He also noted that standards that are being developed by developed countries can be a barrier to trade and recommended that African countries should increase their participation in their development so that their interests are taken on board. In light of the above, It is necessary to focus attention on issues such as rules of origin (RoO) to ensure more flexibilities necessary for regional and horizontal cummulation for developing countries. The DG finalized his intervention by mentioning that the intelligent use of Rules of Origin by Asian economies enabled them to reap the benefits of trade liberalization in the textile sector.

37. The subsequent discussions among the ministers and high level officials focused on the following issues:

- Agricultural trade is mostly hampered by trade barriers. The double standards in agricultural market access impede Africa from effectively participating in world trade negotiations and integrate more into global trade with increased capacity.

- There is still a high level of protectionism from developed countries which impede Africa’s inclusive participation and the achievement of development goals.

- The World Customs Organization (WCO) representative noted that the international customs community promotes trade and connects markets and contributes to global economy recovery. He also noted that the adoption of the Revised Kyoto protocol will simplify Customs and facilitate trade. In this regard he urged the ministers and high level representatives to consider the adoption of the revised Kyoto Convention and to be supportive of the WTO trade facilitation efforts.

- The representative of South Centre expressed that intra-African trade is generally more positive than usually portrayed. He underscored that trade development requires an industrial development plan. He noted that the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) have hindered these plans from coming into effect and there is need for State support to move producers up the value chain and help Africa industrialize. He noted that the cuts liberalisation programmes that are being proposed under the EPA negotiations will not allow Africa the policy space it needs to industrialise. Equally, in services negotiations under EPA, if countries agree to services liberalisation, this would undermine Africa’s prospects of future leverage for services negotiations under the GATS. He noted that there, are many ways in which non-reciprocal preferences could be applied, such as Moldova’s non-reciprocal waiver from the EU, AGOA preferences, or the latest waiver for Pakistan because of the floods. He commended, the Position Paper of the AUC and RECs on EPAs.

- The World Bank representative in turn talked about services as an opportunity for diversification for Africa. He noted that opening up in services is more difficult than goods because of the regulatory issues. Regulatory reform is a crucial issue and does not necessarily imply deregulation. He also noted that countries still are unwilling to negotiate on these issues because of fear of policy space loss. Commenting On Rules of Origin , he recommended the move to simple and predictable Rules of Origin , indicating that as tariffs go down, the cost of compliance often goes up. A useful tool is an international agreement on a RoO certificate which can be used everywhere.

- The UNECA representative noted that there is need to focus on the post-Doha scenario by going beyond the issue of subsidies.

- The UNDP representative presented the UNDP Project on Building Africa’s Capacity in Globalization and Regional Integration, a joint effort with AUC and ECA. The four areas of work across all Africa, targeting countries and RECs include: trade negotiations, capacity development, trade policy analysis and gender and trade.

- The private sector representative who was part of the panel noted that private sector engagement is very critical and that there is appropriate private sector engagement strategy in Africa. He noted that the quality of standards and the costs of doing business are big issues and these impede the reaping of return He urged the private sector and governments to be clear on what they expect in EPAs negotiations

- The UNCTAD representative expressed some thoughts on international trade negotiations and strategies for development.

- He UNECA in the panel also briefed the ministers on the role of the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC), which has been established to and is focusing on institutional capacity building to the RECs, as well as the member States on trade policy analysis.

38. The DG concluded by noting that policy space is more beneficial when used to promote good policies.

Agenda Item 8: Date and Venue of the 6th Session of the AU Conference of Ministers of Trade

39. The representative of Tunisia expressed, on behalf of his Government, the desire of Tunisia to host the 7th Ordinary Session of the AU Conference of Ministers of Trade. The Conference accepted the offer with thanks.

Agenda Item 9: Any Other Business

40. There was no issue raised under this agenda item.

Agenda Item 10: Consideration and adoption of Declarations and Conference Report

41. Ministers considered their Report and the Declarations on the WTO, EPA and --- adopted them with amendments.

Agenda Item 11: Closure of the Meeting

42. The Chair, H.E. Hon Mrs Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Rwanda, brought the Conference to a close after thanking the Ministers and all participants for their inputs to a successful conference.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download