from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRC
DRC Bureau
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – WITH a strategic geographic location and vast natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is well-positioned to play a leading role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
It is hosting the 16th Meeting of Foreign Trade Ministers under the AfCFTA.
Delegations from all 54 African member states are attending the meeting in the capital, Kinshasa.
“Today, Kinshasa is not only the political heart of the DRC but a symbol of our country’s transformation,” said Julien Paluku Kahongya, Minister of Foreign Trade of the DRC.
“Hosting this ministerial conference is a clear sign that the DRC is open for business, committed to reforms, and ready to offer investors a more predictable, transparent and attractive business environment.”
The meeting is seen as a major step in Africa’s shared commitment to enhancing intra-continental trade, facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services, and building a more integrated African market.
Discussions in Kinshasa are focused on removing non-tariff barriers, simplifying customs procedures, embracing digital trade solutions and developing industrial value chains that benefit all in the continent.
This summit comes at a time of renewed global interest in Africa’s economic rise.
AfCFTA is to be the world’s largest free trade area.
It aims at accelerating intra-African trade and boosting the continent’s position in the global market.
– CAJ News