Port Louis, Mauritius: A three day h Regional Meeting of the African Caribbean Pacific-European Union (ACP-EU) joint Parliamentary Assembly commenced in Mauritius today. The meeting which is the eleventh was opened by the President of the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency, Kailash Purryag. In his remarks, the President re-affirmed the need for strengthening of the existing regional blocs which he fashioned as progressive. He maintained that partnerships were the way to go reiterating that the on-going Economic Partnership Agreements with the European Union (EPAs) should fully embrace the same.
“We look forward to enhancing Partnerships, in the Post Cotonou agreements in 2020”, President Purryag remarked.
The Head of State however called on the European Union to abolish the Sugar quota noting that many countries in the continent, including Mauritius, were keen to develop the sugar cane sector.
The Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Fitz Jackson challenged Africa to utilize the vast amount of resources to harness development. “The eastern part of the Continent (EAC included) has close to 26% of Africa’s population and the region has recently discovered oil and gas. With the kind of resources, Africa can go places”, Mr. Jackson stated.
The Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa told the meeting that the EAC was a today stronger bloc noting that consensus remained a key component in strengthening of the integration process.
“The region has realized steady progress with regards to free movement of goods currently supported within the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocols which we are implementing,” she said.
“It has not been easy. Circumstances commonly arise and this are addressed appropriately as a result of the goodwill of the Partner States,” Rt.Hon Zziwa added. The Speaker remarked that Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs) continued to hamper business leading to high costs of doing business.
“However, the authorities are now keen on addressing the challenges on the Northern Corridor for example and this is good for the region", the Speaker remarked.
The theme of the meeting is premised on regional integration, Infrastructure development and piracy. In attendance are Members of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly from the region, continent and the European Union.
EALA which has an Observer status at the Assembly is represented by the Speaker. The Kenya National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Hon Dr. Joyce Laboso leads her delegation to the three day meeting. Hon Laboso is also the Co-President of the of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. Parliament of Uganda is represented by a delegation led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Jacob Oulanyah while Hon Job Ndugai, Deputy Speaker, is leading a strong delegation from the Parliament of Tanzania. Burundi is represented by Hon Mo-Mamo Karerwa, 1st Vice President of the Burundi Senate. The Rwanda Chamber of Deputies on its part has the Deputy Speaker, Hon Uwimanimpaye Jeanne d’ Arc in attendance.
On the state of play in East Africa, it was noted that infrastructure spending needs is pegged at USD 46 billion with a minimum financing gap of USD 15 billion per year, according to the Head of Secretariat at the Inter-Regional Co-ordinating Committee, Krish Bissoonauthsing. The priority has been to focus on project identification and preparation using the Tripartite framework (COMESA-EAC-SADC), the presenter added.
The meeting further urged the continent to look for amicable solutions to the conflicts in the continent specifically mentioning South Sudan.
The meeting ends on Friday.
Ends
For more information, contact
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
Tel: Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036.
No in Mauritius +230 590-90576;
Email: Bodiko@eachq.org
