Seychelles has initiated its second national workshop on the African Continental Free Trade Area to advance the implementation of the agreement ratified in 2021. The workshop emphasizes stakeholder participation and the development of an effective strategy, which Minister Naadri Hassan has deemed critical for engaging with the AfCFTA. The initiative aims to bolster trade and economic integration across Africa.
Seychelles has commenced the second national workshop focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), intended to facilitate the nation’s implementation of the agreement ratified in 2021. This workshop builds upon the groundwork established in the first gathering held in September. Veronique Brutus of the Department of Trade emphasized the aim of developing an effective implementation strategy for Seychelles, allowing stakeholders to contribute feedback on the presented draft. Minister Naadri Hassan highlighted the strategic importance of the AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, asserting that it will enable Seychelles to engage effectively and derive substantial benefits from the AfCFTA initiative. He stressed the importance of cooperative participation among stakeholders in order to address diverse needs and uphold the National Development Strategy 2024-2028. The event is being held at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort, with various institutions collaborating and receiving support from UN agencies and the German development company GIZ. The AfCFTA seeks to bolster intra-African trade and amplify the region’s competitive advantage in global trade, proposing a unified market for goods and services while facilitating person movement across the continent. Sujitha Sekharan of UNDP remarked on the expansive market potential offered by the AfCFTA, suggesting economic opportunities for local industries and fostering regional interconnectivity.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an ambitious initiative aimed at creating a unified market for goods and services across Africa, with the goal of enhancing trade between member states and elevating Africa’s position in the global marketplace. Seychelles, having ratified the agreement in 2021, is actively working to implement the necessary framework to fully participate in this initiative. The AfCFTA focuses on economic integration, the establishment of a Continental Customs Union, and the facilitation of free movement of business personnel and investments, ultimately seeking to stimulate industrial growth and job creation within member countries.
In conclusion, the second AfCFTA national workshop in Seychelles represents a significant step toward enhancing the country’s trade relations and participation in the broader African market. The collaborative efforts among stakeholders and the strategic framework being developed promise to unlock new economic opportunities while strengthening Seychelles’ competitiveness in the region. This initiative aligns with the country’s development strategies, aiming for sustainable growth and increased trade activity within the African continent.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
