The COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit kicked off yesterday, Sunday 7th June, 2015 the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el Sheikh, bringing together 26 Member States who aim to establish a Tripartite Free Trade Area.
On Sunday, a meeting of the Senior Officials took place, followed today, Monday 8th June, 2015 by the meeting of the Third Tripartite Council of Ministers. On Wednesday, 10th June, 2015 the Summit of Heads of State and Government will take place.
The Summit is expected to sign the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement, signaling the first phase of the Tripartite Free Trade Area negotiations. The Agreement sets out the rules for the operation of the Free Trade Area, and defines the objectives, principles, the process to be undertaken to realize the trade within the Tripartite Free Trade Area; outlines cooperation in customs and trade facilitation and other Trade related Areas; and identifies the organs for implementation of the Tripartite Free Trade Area.
Meanwhile, SADC Executive Secretary, H.E. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax was swamped by Egyptian media wanting to understand the importance of the Tripartite Free Trade Area.
