SA considers FTA with East Africa

SOUTH AFRICA’S agricultural exports to Africa recorded negative trade growth of -7% for 2005/6, thanks in part to trade diversions towards the more lucrative markets of China and the Middle East, according to deputy minister of the Department of Trade and Industry Elizabeth Thabethe. She said the Department of Agriculture was actively participating in initiatives to integrate the Southern African Development Community region to improve its economy through increased market access and economic activity. “The SADC trade protocol, which makes provision for our products to be traded freely within the region, is on track to be attained in 2008,” she said Within the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu), South Africa is considering entering into a free trade agreement with the East African community, according to Thabethe. “This is a huge market comprising Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Rwanda on the verge of joining. “The difference in climatic conditions should provide opportunities for both exports and imports for South African producers,” she said.