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Sunday, September 13, 2020
Kenya's Amina Mohamed to reform trade systems if elected to WTO
By Standard Reporter
World Trade Organisation candidate Amina Mohamed (PHOTO: FILE)
The business community in the East African bloc has expressed confidence
in the candidature of Ambassador Amina Mohamed, for the position of
Director General at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
This buoyed by her promise to steer reforms towards eliminating trade
barriers and implementing the African Continental Free Trade
Area(AfCFTA) agreement if selected.
This follows a virtual meeting organized by the East African Business
Council (EABC) that convened industry captains from the East Africa
region to deliberate on deepening relations between the private sector
in East Africa and WTO.
Speaking from Geneva, Ambassador Amina told the industry captains that
if selected, she will push for a vibrant multi-lateral trading system to
boost Africa’s trade.
“If I was selected, I would be a strong advocate for an open trading
system. I’d also be a leader in reforming the system and particularly in
recovering the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Amb. Amina.
According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, businesses in
African countries currently face higher tariffs when they export within
Africa than outside the continent.
“If we eliminated the current overall average tariffs of 6.1 per cent in
Africa, we would actually double intra-Africa trade among African
countries, from 15 per cent to 30 per cent. If we also eliminate some of
the pressing tariff barriers, intra-Africa trade will significantly
improve,” said Amb. Amina.
Amina noted that although trade rules are negotiated by Governments of
the WTO member states, it is the private sector that uses them to expand
trade and investments.
“A dynamic East Africa community with an active private sector will
ensure that the region benefits significantly from the World Trade
System but also the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA),”
said Amb. Amina.
During the meeting, EABC’s CEO, Dr. Peter Mathuki said, “We are
confident that Amb. Amina in her reform agenda at WTO, the voice of the
African private sector shall be articulated and heard, with a focus on
deepening engagement between the private sector and the global body.
”The selection process of the WTO Director-General is now in the third
phase where WTO members are consulted to narrow down on the candidate to
receive consensus support.
The virtual engagement was attended by over 75 distinguished business
leaders including Dr. Manu Chandaria, Founding Chairman of EABC, Mr.
Nick Nesbitt, current Chairman of EABC, Mr. Dennis Kareru, Chair of
Rwanda Hospitality Association, Mr. Simon Kaheru, Board Member of Uganda
Manufacturers Association, Mr. Hamad Hamad, Executive Director of
Zanzibar National Chambers of Commerce and Industries, amongst others.
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