0Timo ShihepoThe African Union (AU) is pulling out all stops to improve the import and export industry within African countries. In an effort to improve the continent’s intra-trade statistics, the African Union organised the inaugural Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) hosted by Egypt from 11 to 17 December. The trade fair contributes towards the objective of increasing intra-African trade from US$170 billion in 2014 to US$250 billion and by so doing, ensure that intra-African trade reaches 22% by 2021. “If we are to create one African market, in line with the vision of the African continental free trade area, all African Union member states must sign and ratify the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area. “The African continental free trade agreement and events such as this intra-African trade fair enthuse me about the prospects for Africa, and the opportunities to raise Africa’s bar to global competitiveness, which will be kick-started by intra-African free trade,” he said.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 28, 2018 12:45 UTC