Statement at the 12th Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Trade

"The economic imperative and the rapidly evolving events on the international scene, that compel Africa to want to create an African Economic Community should spur us on to act with resolve and determination to promote cooperation. In the Trade Sector, in order to successfully create our African Common Market, we believe that the ongoing All-Africa Trade Fair which was established since 1972 - aiming at promoting commercial and economic links between our countries will go a long way towards enhancing Africa's prospectus for economic growth and development. It will enable our countries to know each other, to know what we produce and what we can exchange and how we can trade. It is only through such interaction of commerce and industry that we can learn from each other and know our potential."