23 Jun 2021

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has called on participants of the first ever SADC business forum to rise and thrive to grow regional economies to the level of competitiveness.

Speaking at the opening of the forum in Mozambique Tuesday, Dr Masisi described it as a good initiative for the region as it spoke to the ideals of regional integration for prosperity for all.

He applauded Mozambique for successful hosting of the forum saying it was one of the largest entrepreneurship, opportunity and investment events in the region.

For his part, Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi thanked SADC leaders for encouraging the private sector in their countries to participate in the forum in large numbers despite COVID-19.

President Nyusi urged SADC member states to speed up ratification of essential protocols for economic integration highlighting imbalances between members which he said needed to be addressed. 

He said establishment of a customs union that evolved towards a single market and monetary union was still a challenge and called for its acceleration.

President Nyusi said construction and development of infrastructure conducive to the fluidity of trade and services was also fundamental for regional economic integration.

“We are still receiving complaints related to non-tariff barriers such as migration, road transit,” he stated. Ends