by Ncaba Ntshakala
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, led by Minister Manqoba Khumalo, joined other SACU Member States Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Eswatini alongside Mozambique (SACUM) and the United Kingdom, for the first Joint Council Meeting under the SACUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
This historic meeting, held in Gaborone, was hailed as a significant milestone in strengthening trade relations and promoting economic cooperation under the framework of the SACUM-UK EPA.
In a statement shared by the Minister, the Joint Council took stock of the progress made in implementing the agreement since its inception and endorsed several key decisions aimed at strengthening institutional frameworks and operational structures.
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Among the critical developments was the approval of the Rules of Procedure (RoP) for the Joint Council and the Trade and Development Committee.
These rules provide a vital foundation for the governance and functioning of the SACUM-UK EPA, ensuring that the agreement is effectively executed to achieve its objectives.
Khumalo cited that a notable highlight of the meeting was the progress achieved toward finalizing the list of 21 arbitrators, a crucial step for operationalizing Articles 80 and 94 of the agreement.
The Joint Council expressed a strong desire to expedite the adoption of this list by the Trade and Development Committee, paving the way for more robust dispute avoidance and settlement mechanisms.
He said that further commendation was given for the collaborative efforts in finalizing the Rules of Procedure for Dispute Avoidance and Settlement, along with the Code of Conduct for Arbitrators and Mediators.
The adoption of these provisions signals a collective commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficiency in resolving trade disputes under the agreement.
The meeting also expressed the importance of sustained collaboration among the parties to advance the agreement’s objectives.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to addressing matters of mutual interest through future engagements, guided by the newly adopted Rules of Procedure.
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This commitment extends to tackling outstanding market access issues under the Built-in Agenda and Transitional Arrangements, which are critical to maximizing the benefits of the partnership.
Minister Manqoba Khumalo emphasized that the outcomes of this inaugural Joint Council Meeting reflect a shared vision among the SACUM and UK parties to deepen economic partnerships, enhance inclusive growth, and deliver mutual benefits for all stakeholders.
He noted that Eswatini remains committed to leveraging the opportunities presented by the SACUM-UK EPA to enhance trade, stimulate economic development, and strengthen regional ties.
