14 Apr 2013

 The fourth Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State and Government Summit held in Gaborone on Friday was a success.

Officially closing the summit, President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama said the meeting provided Heads of State and Government with an opportunity to reflect on the state of the union.

The summit, he said, confirmed that by working together, member states could achieve more while ensuring that benefits of the union trickled down to all the people.

The meeting also received the report from the council of ministers on the implementation of the priority areas that were identified at the March 2011 summit where President Khama indicated that the SACU work programme was proceeding well.

President Khama also expressed satisfiction that work had started on the development of a regional industrial development policy. The policy, he said, was key towards achieving the vision of an integrated regional economic community.

“We welcome the report of the SACU Council of Ministers and urge them to expedite this important work,” he said. President Khama pointed out that they had also received a positive report on the implementation of the trade facilitation programme.

Intensified cooperation in the implementation of the trade facilitation programme, President Khama said, was important in that goods and services would flow freely among member states with minimum delays at internal borders.

He was also happy about the ongoing construction of the SACU headquarters in Namibia and commended the Namibian government, council of ministers as well as the secretariat for getting the project off the ground.

The President noted that construction of the headquarters represented an important step towards consolidation of the organisation. “I therefore look forward to soon enjoying the conveniences of having our own building, which not only reflects the status of our organisation, but will also contribute to a more conducive work environment within which we can conduct business,” he said.

He encouraged member states to remain vigilant and continue to work towards ensuring that they reaped the benefits of belonging to the customs union.

He expressed gratitude to all Heads of State, Council of Ministers and delegates who attended the summit saying it signified the commitment they attached to transforming SACU into a vibrant regional organisation dedicated to the welfare of its people for a common future. In attendance were President Jacob Zuma of South Africa , President Hifikepukunye Pohamba of Namibia , Prime Minister of Lesotho, Dr Thomas Thabane and King Mswati III of Swaziland. ENDS