According to Professor Gbenga Greg Obideyi the director of trade at the economic community of West Africa states (ECOWAS), he states that 54 out of 55 African countries have already registered their membership for this trade agreement. He further emphasized that the purpose of this dialogue session is to provide an overview of the Africa continental free trade area and give detail analysis of the expected impact to private sector businesses .this dialogue will also benefit and give opportunities for proper deliberation of the opportunities that private sectors will have in discussing their challenges and common concerns that they are facing in the private sector .it will be a great opportunity because stakeholders will be in attendance to listening to these concerns .
While delivering the key note address, the deputy minister of trade and industry Rev Abraham James Sesay-Jones, he first of all appreciated ECOWAS and their partners for such a great initiative through trade facilitation West Africa program for this laudable venture in improving Africa trade and developing bilateral relationship.
He further lauded GIZ and World Bank group for supporting the dialogue session thereby providing the platform for private sector businesses. The minister in an authoritative tone promise the partners of sierra Leone‘s commitment in ensuring stable trade facilitation within the African continent .he further thanked Mr. Abdul Kamara the trade coordinator for Sierra Leone at the ministry of trade for a very good negotiation that has brought them thus far. He pleaded with partners to understand some of the challenges that the ministry is facing which understaffed are one great misfortune.
Borderless Alliance is a private sector owned initiative working in partnership in partnership with ECOWAS and they are the key organizers of this great dialogue session. The programs manager Afua Eshun thanked the deputy minister for the good reception from Sierra Leone and disclosed that this agreement will also promote free movement of goods and people and also competitive trade in West Africa through the removal of barriers to trade and transport.
