Trade and competition experts commence meeting on the implementation of the ECOWAS competition policy
Banjul, 28th May 2019. The meeting of trade and competition experts on the implementation of the regional competition policy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) got underway on the 28th of May 2019 in Banjul, The Gambia. Among others, the 5-Day meeting will enable stakeholders chart a course for the operations of ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) while discussing the unique trading structure of the ECOWAS regional market. Commissioner Konzi opined that the ECOWAS Commission “views its competition policy as a necessary complement to its trade and investment policies and as such, an important component of its economic development efforts”. He noted that the Regional Competition Policy Framework (RCPF) developed for the Community in 2007 “underscores the need to complement existing market integration strategies with a strong initiative that would improve competitiveness within the ECOWAS Common market” In helping to clean up the ECOWAS trade competition environment, the Competition Policy and Law seeks to prohibit anti-competitive and monopolization practises amongst Companies. When followed through, economic growth and improved innovative potential will be engendered while consumer welfare and greater social stability will be guaranteed. The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Mr. Ebrima Drammeh disclosed that because the government of The Gambia attaches great importance to regional integration and is very much committed to the implementation of regional protocols and programmes, “ERCA will receive the needed tutelage, support and guidance from the government of The Gambia for its effective operations” Before the commencement of proceedings, the goodwill message of the President of the ECOWAS Commission Jean-Claude Kassi Brou marking the 44th anniversary of ECOWAS was read to delegates by the Special Representative to The Gambia Mrs Vabah Gayflor, wherein he called on all to stand in remembrance and in thankful acknowledgement of the visioners “who made the regional Economic Community, more than a reality, a shining example of solidarity”. He said it is in furtherance of this that an enabling regional framework is being created for economic development and investment, through the Macroeconomic Stability and Convergence Pact, implementation of the recently adopted Regional Investment Code, the Regional Mining Code and the establishment of the ERCA. The Meeting is featuring the presentation of the memorandum on the mandate, objectives and operationalisation of the ERCA by the Acting Director of the authority’s acting Executive Director Mrs. Henrietta Didigu. This was considered alongside other presentations by Member States bordering on the status reports on the implementation of the RCPF. |