On October 31, 2024, Burundi, through its economic capital, Bujumbura, will host the twenty-third summit of heads of state and government of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa). This was announced on this Tuesday, October 22, 2024 by Ms. Marie Chantal Nijimbere, Minister of Commerce, Transport, Industry and Tourism, during a press conference held in the premises of the said ministry. This summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) will bring together leaders of member states to discuss economic issues and regional cooperation.
On the sidelines of this summit, two other key events are planned: a COMESA economic forum, which will take place on October 28 at the Kigobe Congress Centre, and the Council of Ministers responsible for cooperation and foreign affairs, scheduled for the 29 October 2024. These events are part of the promotion of trade and investment in the region.
“The COMESA Secretariat, through its strategic plan and programmes, is organizing initiatives aimed at strengthening trade and investments in order to achieve structural transformation of the economies of Member States,” said Ms. Nijimbere, stressing the importance of the actions carried out by this organization to support regional economic development.
The minister also highlighted the projects carried out in Burundi thanks to the regional integration support mechanism. “Thanks to this, Burundi benefited from the COMESA adjustment facility, thus compensating for revenue losses linked to the implementation of economic liberalization programs, as well as support for regional integration,” she explained.
The Minister Ms. Nijimbere clarified that Burundi, alongside 10 other member states, has already submitted its commitments during the first round of negotiations aimed at liberalizing priority sectors, including communication, financial and tourism services. “The country has also proposed projects as part of the second round of negotiations, including additional sectors such as trade, processing and engineering,” she added.
Burundi’s participation in the simplified trade regime, a mechanism facilitating cross-border trade for small and medium-sized traders, was also highlighted by the minister. “This regime offers facilities to traders, particularly in terms of infrastructure and facilitation of trade at borders,” she highlighted.
The minister appealed to Burundians to give a warm welcome to the participants of this event, in order to “project a positive image of the country internationally.”
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