Minister of Trade and Industry, Simplex Chithyola Banda says Malawi is ready to export various goods into the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as one way of expanding market access for the country’s goods and services.
The minister cited goods such as sugar, tea, oilseed, oilcake, legumes, cereals, wood, rubber, fruits plastic and plastic products, nuts and textiles as some of goods to be exported to the AfCFTA market.
He was speaking at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Saturday on the occasion to mark commemoration of the African Union (AU) Day and the 60th Anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
The commemoration of the day, which was held under the theme ‘Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement’, marks the founding of the OAU on May 25, 1963 which was later transformed to the AU.
Chithyola Banda said AfCFTA benefits for Malawi are numerous including expanded market access for goods and services and elimination of non-tariff barriers among others which Malawi can tap into.
“If executed according to plan, AfCFTA has the power to boost economic growth in Malawi and elevate our people from poverty.
“As we commemorate the day, let us celebrate our progress in implementing this agreement in Malawi and renew our commitments to play our roles effectively,” he said.
AU Permanent Representative, David Claude Pierre appealed to Africa to continue its efforts in peace, solidarity and unity.
The OAU was formed as a manifestation of the Pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free and in control of its own destiny.
The celebration of the 60th anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the role and contribution of the founders of the organisation and many other Africans who have contributed greatly to the political liberation of the continent and to the socio-economic emancipation of Africa.
Reported by Patricia Kapulula
