Prospects and Challenges in the Formation of the COMESA-EAC and SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area

Prospects and Challenges in the Formation of the COMESA-EAC and SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area

The proposed Tripartite Free Trade Area (T-FTA) among COMESA-EAC and SADC member states is one among many regional economic communities (RECs) that have emerged over the years. This paper attempts to examine some of the complexities and inter-linkages in reaching a Tripartite Free Trade Agreement in goods and services, as well as infrastructure development. The proposed tripartite FTA will have to carefully deal with the task posed by factors such as heterogeneity in the rules of origin, non-tariff barriers, trade facilitation, technical regulations, infrastructural shortfalls among others. Coupled with the challenges of slow progress of integration, financing and defence interests of member states, the emerging policy issues would require the pursuance of a deeper integration framework taking into consideration the economic development needs of other member states. The T-FTA should be built on a rule based system and ensure harmonisation of regulations, standards and procedures. The rules of origin should be simple, objective and predictable to guarantee the promotion and facilitation of regional integration.

Date:	2011-11-01
Authors:	Lawrence Othieno & Isaac Shinyekwa

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• Published Nov 1, 2011