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THE Sadc region must be united by a shared vision to create seamless and robust trade, which demands that member states urgently harmonise standards and technical regulations to tame inherent trade barriers.
Industry and Commerce Minister, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, said this in a speech read on his behalf by chief director in his ministry, Dr Douglas Runyowa, at the opening of the 40th Annual Sadc Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Cooperation Structures meetings in Victoria Falls.
The week-long meeting will end on Friday and is being convened under the auspices of the TBT Annex to the Sadc protocol on Trade, and represents a pivotal moment in the region’s collective journey towards regional industrialisation and economic integration.
It is being held under the theme: “Promoting regional harmonisation of standards for industrialisation and economic growth”.
Minister Ndlovu said the meetings provide a platform to shape the future of regional trade, thereby affecting lives of millions of people, driving economic growth, promoting equitable trade and elevating the quality of goods and services available to citizens.
“As a region we have marked significant milestones including the harmonisation of 124 standard texts across diverse sectors and the standardisation of regulations for 21 horticultural fruits and 19 horticultural plants,” he said.
“This week we will dedicate ourselves to addressing these challenges, focusing on strategic capacity building in metrology, conformity assessment and accreditation to ensure every member state possesses the requisite tools and resources to fully participate in and reap the benefits of our regional frameworks.”
Minister Ndlovu reiterated the need to enhance harmonisation of standards and technical regulations leading to reduced trade barriers and increased intra-regional trade, improved quality infrastructure across the region, fostering consumer consumer confidence and market access, stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as increased intra-regional trade positioning member states to fully leverage the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“We must be committed to finding and harmonising diverse standards ensuring our products meet both regional and international benchmarks, enhancing sanitary and phytosanitary measures safeguarding the health of our citizens and protecting our agricultural resources,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said Sadc was united by a shared vision to create a seamless and robust trade environment within the region through the harmonisation of standards and technical regulations.
He said member states’ strategic frameworks must remain aligned with Sadc Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015-2063.
Resolving conflicts in technical regulations through eliminating unnecessary barriers to trade and fostering a predictable regulatory environment are key, said the minister.
He said these efforts were firmly rooted in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (2020-2030) and the Sadc Vision 2050, which guide regional integration programmes and actions.
Minister Ndlovu said the foundation of our work rests upon the seven critical TBT cooperation structures including standards coordination, measurement traceability, legal metrology, accreditation, technical regulations liaison committee, and stakeholder participation.
“These structures are the pillars upon which we build our regional quality infrastructure, enhancing our trade competitiveness regionally and on the global stage,” he said.
The minister said harmonisation of standards is not merely a technical endeavor, but is the lifeblood of Sadc’s industrial transformation and it is the key to unlocking regional vast economic potential, creating sustainable jobs, and building prosperous future for all citizens.
Standards represent the language of trade and will promote seamless movement of goods and services through the region, said Minister Ndlovu.
He called for collaboration, innovation and unwavering commitment to build a competitive, industrialised regional economy that stands as a beacon of progress and prosperity at the global stage.
In his remarks, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo said the objective of the TBT Cooperation Structure meetings include harmonisation of standards, conformity assessment, quality infrastructure capacity building, trade facilitation and legal and regulatory alignment.
“This engagement will indeed enable Sadc to make informed decisions which will improve the quality of life of its citizens, reduce poverty and contribute to sustainable development across the entire region,” he said.
Minister Moyo highlighted the existence of Special Economic Zones in tourism, finance and mining in the province and invited member states and business to consider investing in the country and province to contribute positively to the attainment of vision 2030 aspirations.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu