| dc.description | ECA Executive Secretary Vera Songwe had the first official meeting with the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday, 22 August 2017.
“Continued strong cooperation and collaboration between our two institutions is crucial for advancing Africa’s structural transformation and industrialization agenda,” said Ms. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), during her first official meeting with the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday 22 August 2017.
In their discussions on ways of advancing the African development agenda, Ms. Songwe highlighted Regional Integration and the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) as “areas that need our urgent action.” She noted that, if brought to fruition, CFTA and regional integration will significantly accelerate the growth of African economies, create jobs, and engender peace.
For his part, Mr. Mahamat congratulated Ms. Songwe on her new role as ECA Executive Secretary, stating, “I can assure you of our determination to work with you and your team to advance growth on the continent.” He added, “you are the technical advisors of the continent, and we rely on you.” The AUC Chairperson stated that in addition to regional integration and the CFTA, ECA and AUC need to seriously reflect on the way forward for member States in line with AGOA and the EPAs, beginning with the meetings Abidjan in November. | en |
