Whilst the focus on movement of goods within the COMESA region has been on essential goods as related to food, beverages and health, there is also need to consider that the movement of all goods is essential to the livelihood and economies of the Member states.
This is one of the recommendations contained in COMESA Business Council Webinar report of a meeting held on 14th of this month. With participants drawn from both the private and public sectors, the meeting took stock of implementation of the COMESA Guidelines for the movement of essential goods and supplies across the region in the wake of Covid 19 pandemic.
The virtual meeting was moderated by Ms Sandra Uwera, Chief Executive Officer, COMESA Business Council.
Mr. Ian Hirschfeld Head of Public Policy and Regulatory for Southern and Eastern Africa, Coca-Cola and Mrs. Temitope ‘Tope’ Iluyemi Director, Global Government Relations for Africa, Procter & Gamble represented private sector.
Mr. Mike Fitzmaurice, Executive Director, Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (FESARTA) and Mr. William Ojonyo, Board Member and Member of the COVID-19 Taskforce, Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA) represented private sector institutions.
Public sector was represented by Mr. Mushuma Mulenga, Permanent Secretary, Zambia Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and Dr. Christopher H. Onyango, Director, COMESA Trade and Customs.
The COMESA Regional Guidelines, which were adopted by Council of Ministers on 14th May are aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 through transport across borders; facilitating the implementation of transport related national COVID-19 measures in cross-border transportation; facilitating flow of essential goods such as fuel, food and medicines; limiting unnecessary and mass movement of passengers across borders; and harmonizing and coordinating transport-related national COVID-19 policies, regulations and response measures.
The Brookings Institute projects that Africa will record a loss of 2.1% points or more in GDP growth if the novel coronavirus takes hold. Other estimates predict that Africa’s economies could record a loss of between $90 billion and $200 billion this year (2020). According to a recent publication by the African Union, the pandemic could cause up to 20 million job losses.
CBC report also recommends establishment of a public-private border management consultative committee that fosters dialogue, collaboration, awareness on new regulatory requirements and response mechanisms, to ensure the effective implementation of the COMESA Guidelines.
Other recommendations include effective implementation of the Simplified Trade Regime (STR) with the aim of facilitating small-scale traders across borders and finalizing the establishment of a Regional Beverages Association to represent the industry’s position in engagements with the public sector and other relevant associations.
Increased private sector investment for industrial development and infrastructure to improve border efficiency through digital trade facilitation (e-trade and e-logistics), was crucial according to the CBC report.
Other measures include, strengthening the implementation of the COMESA Guidelines at National level and bilaterally with countries that share borders; strengthen alternative sourcing and regional value chains in Africa, increase investment in local manufacturing hubs and production capacities and the need for private sector to recognize importance of maintaining safe trade through applying health and safety measures while balancing trade and trade facilitation.
CBC report also seeks acceleration and broadening support mechanisms at national and regional level for SMEs such as provision of stimulus packages, access to markets, and other measures.
To address the high risk and exposure faced by the truckers, a Journey Management System should be applied between countries to provide a safe environment for them and creation of priority white transfer lanes in addition to current systems to facilitate quicker transit clearance at the borders.
The report recommends COMESA region to ensure restrictions that are there due to COVID 19 are temporary and not applied post pandemic period and further they do not undermine the existing trade regulations.
Regional Business Associations were asked to strengthen their collaborations to increase private sector engagement with COMESA Business Council, SADC Business Council and East African Business Council.
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