By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Directorate of Trade of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has organised a 3 Day Retreat for its Interdepartmental Committee on Trade Facilitation in Lagos, Nigeria.
In a press release made available to Daybreak today from the ECOWAS Commission, the Retreat which commenced in Lagos , Nigeria from August 1- 3, 2022 is aimed at enhancing the structure of the Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC) by approving Technical Working Groups (TWGs) and to validate guiding documents on implementation of regional Trade Facilitation.
Also to draft documents the Regional Trade & Transport Facilitation Strategy (RTTFS) and the Regional Policy and Strategy Frameworks for Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs).
The Committee will also examine draft documents on the Common Trade Policy (CTP), the Trade and Investment Strategy and birth a Framework of coordination on trade facilitation on the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.
Acting Director Trade of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. kola Sofola was on ground to welcome the participants on behalf of Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, Commissioner of Economic Affairs and Agriculture.
Participants at the Retreat include representatives from the following Directorates: Trade, Customs Union and Taxation, Transport, ECOWAS Gender Development Centre, Private Sector, Industry, Free Movement, Research & Statistics, External Relations, Legal Affairs, Communication, Information Technology Services, and GIZ.
