The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) issued a notice informing stakeholders of the on-going Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) negotiations between the Member States of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC). These negotiations were launched by a Summit of Heads of States and Government in June 2011. The TFTA presents the opportunity of a large market comprising 26 countries, with a combined population of nearly 600 million people, a total gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately U$1.0 trillion. Modalities for a tariff offer have been agreed between the negotiating parties. Currently a consultation process is under way to identify and refine South Africa's export interests to this region as well as import sensitivities in order to finalise a tariff offer. Significant progress has been made already through trade analysis and consultations with stakeholders in the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC). The dti extended an opportunity to all interested parties to submit any pertinent comments (not already submitted) which were due by June 30, 2013.