By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Kingdom of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, participated in the inaugural Joint Council Meeting of the Southern African Customs Union Member States and Mozambique – United Kingdom of Great Britain Northern Ireland, Economic Partnership Agreement (SACUM-UK EPA).
The meeting held in Gaborone, Botswana, marked a significant milestone in strengthening trade relations and economic cooperation between the parties.
According to a press release by the Minister of Commerce Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, the SACUM-UK EPA, is a trade agreement that governs economic relations between SACUM countries—Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Mozambique—and the United Kingdom.
The agreement seeks to facilitate seamless trade, promote investment, and foster economic growth.
The 1st Joint Council Meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review progress in implementing the agreement, and endorse key decisions aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Among the major outcomes of the meeting was the approval of the Rules of Procedure (RoP) for both the Joint Council and the Trade and Development Committee. These procedural frameworks will serve as guiding principles for the operation and governance of the agreement.
The meeting also acknowledged progress toward finalizing a list of 21 arbitrators, a crucial step in implementing Articles 80 and 94 of the agreement, which outline mechanisms for resolving trade-related disputes.
Further demonstrating their commitment to effective dispute resolution, the Joint Council commended the completion of the Rules of Procedure for Dispute Avoidance and Settlement, as well as the Code of Conduct for Arbitrators and Mediators.
These developments ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in addressing trade disputes, reinforcing trust among all stakeholders.
The Minister emphasized the importance of continued collaboration under the SACUM-UK EPA. He highlighted the agreement’s role in fostering sustainable economic partnerships that promote inclusive growth and mutual benefits for all participating nations.
“The outcomes of the 1st Joint Council Meeting demonstrate the Parties’ shared commitment to deepening economic partnerships, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring mutual benefits for all stakeholders,” Khumalo said.
The Joint Council also agreed to accelerate work on outstanding market access issues under the Built-in Agenda and Transitional Arrangements. Future meetings will be convened to address emerging trade priorities, in alignment with the adopted Rules of Procedure.