Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe is expected to address the 7th Heads of States and Governments Summit of the African, Caribbean and Pacific on behalf of Southern Africa here during the summit’s closed door meetings.
The summit opened yesterday at the Sipopo International Conference Centre with member countries calling for a review of the trade partnership between ACP member states and the European Union.
The Economic Partnership Agreements between ACP and the EU also come under intense discussion at the summit.
In his opening remarks, secretary general of the ACP Group Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas said serious financial challenges in Europe had tested and shaken the traditional economic giants, thereby bringing new world economic order.
As such, he said there was a need for ACP member states to “think outside the box” and devise means and ways of surviving.
“We also need to change the way we do business. Old attitudes need to be changed . . . ,” said Mr Chambas.
“In the world of increased uncertainties, we must be prepared to think outside the box to come up with bold alternatives to ensure that ACP does not only survive, but flourishes in the years ahead.”
Dr Chambas said although Europe was the biggest donor to ACP countries, it was important to consider opportunities presented by other world emerging economic giants.
He said the emerging giants hinged their relationship with ACP countries on a more win-win situation.
“Europe remains the biggest donor to ACP countries . . . but we also have to acknowledge that the emergence of other economic giants such as the BRICS (Brazil, India, China and South Africa) offer a window of opportunity,” said Mr Chambas.
“They (Brics) bring a fresh attitude and mind instead of seeing our nations as problems. They see ACP as an opportunity to explore for mutual benefit.”
ACP, said Dr Chambas, was among the fastest developing regions in the world and should intensify efforts to claim a better position at international level.
He said the group’s efforts were being hindered by constrained budgets.
Herald
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