IPNEWS: Dr. Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, Chairman of the Task Force on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), is calling for regional integration, building of regional infrastructure, and the promotion of free movement and free trade across the ECOWAS bloc.
Delivering a speech at the 65th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS held in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, Dr. Chambas urged West African leader and the countries of the AES to find common ground for the latter to exists within the ECOWAS fold without having to look at it as a mutually exclusive relationship.
The astute West African Diplomat stated that the bigger picture of looking at mutual integration from a Pan-African perspective requires that all countries to maintain the achievements chalked in our efforts towards regional integration, building of regional infrastructure, promoting free movement and free trade while finding new ways to tackle existential security and political challenges particularly in the Sahel.
“In this era, when primacy is been given to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, (AFCFTA), the African Union should work with ECOWAS and the AES to stem the tide of division within the subregion.” Dr. Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS, rally ECOWAS leaders.
He further lauded ECOWAS leaders for the honour to address the august Assembly of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.
“Indeed, in these trying times of global disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties and political, economic and security challenges in our subregion, it has become more important than ever to continue to make the necessary efforts to maintain our regional cohesiveness and solidarity, for together we are stronger.”
“One of the highlights of our achievements, as a regional economic community, is the progress in the freedom of movement of people and, to a certain extent, the movement of goods. Indeed, this freedom of movement, which forms a crucial part of our heritage, has allowed for social, economic and cultural development across borders, creation of employment for transporters and business operators as well as a thriving network of cross-border trade relations.”
“Throughout the years, ECOWAS has managed to co-exist along with several sub-regional groupings of its members, such as the Conseil de l’Entente, West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the Mano River Union (MRU) and countries of the Zone of Coprosperity (COPAZ).” Dr. Mohamed Ibn CHAMBAS concludes.
