ECOWAS to improve regional protocol on free movement

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To boost intra-community trade among member states

The President of the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Kadre Ouedraogo, has pledged to work for the rigorous implementation of the regional protocol on free movement of persons towards boosting intra-community trade, which hovers between 11 per cent and 15 per cent, and for stimulating regional economy.

The protocol was signed in May 1979 and entitles citizens of member states to visa-free intra-community travel, as well as the right of residence and establishment.

?We want to eliminate the harassment of citizens at the borders and the impediments to free movement of citizens so that our people can move freely and leverage the opportunity to trade which will contribute to the economic development of the region,? said Ouedraogo.

He said the region possessed human and natural resources that ?we will need to fully exploit for the benefit of our people? by addressing constraints that hamper regional movement ?in the spirit of one vision, one people, one purpose.?

He added that addressing the challenges would also involve resolving the problem of dearth of infrastructure which will enable enterprises in the region to flourish, generate employment and enable the region realize its full economic potential as well as enhance its role in the global economy.

Ouedraogo promised to revive the focal points for NEPAD programs in ECOWAS Member States in order to re invigorate the implementation of the programs as well as introduce an annual event for regional business groups to reinforce the contribution of the private sector to regional integration.

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