May 22 2007

President Mwai Kibaki was elected the chairman of the of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) that brings together 19 countries in the region under one trading bloc, during a colourful ceremony held at the UN Headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi.

In his acceptance speech, President Kibaki assured that during his tenure, Kenya would apply all the necessary efforts to ensure that regional economic programmes are accorded the highest priority.

The President stated that under his chairmanship the new Bureau shall remain focused on the shared vision of attaining a fully integrated and internationally competitive economic community in which goods, services, capital and labour will move freely across national borders.

Speaking during the twelfth summit of the Comesa authority of Heads of State and Government, the President called on Comesa to dialogue with other regional economic communities with a view to harmonizing projects and programmes under these regional organizations.

He said it was critical for Comesa to develop a common understanding and position in these negotiations for a successful engagement with these organizations as a time saving strategy and for consolidating regional integration.

Said the President, "As we collectively position ourselves towards deepening our regional integration, it is imperative that we also intensify our dialogue with other regional economic communities, notably Southern Africa Development Community and the East African Community."

The President pointed out that harmonization of the projects and programmes was also important in recognition of the on-going negotiations with the European Union and the World Trade Organization.

The President observed that key among the programmes is the proposed common external tariff structure that is a cardinal requirement for the launch of Comesa customs union.

President Kibaki underlined the role played by the private sector in exploiting regional markets and transforming the emerging opportunities into tangible economic benefits, saying to enhance this role and expand business horizons it is important to continue providing the private sector with business friendly environment.

"It is also important that we involve all stakeholders in our regional development agenda. I specifically want to make reference to our women and youth. The involvement of women and youth will help in the pursuit of sustainable development, care for the environment and control of HIV/AIDS," he said.

He lauded member countries of the regional bloc for taking a giant step forward in establishing a customs union and told them not to be discouraged by the challenges they will face in its implementation, as every challenge they overcome will unleash countless benefits for the people.

The outgoing chairman President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti reported that during his tenure, great progress had been made towards achieving Comesa customs union and in the establishment of Comesa fund for development. He expressed his country's readiness to host the fund.

President Guelleh also welcomed efforts by women in Africa towards advancing
the rights of women in the region.

In his remarks, King Mswati of Swaziland commended Kenya for promoting Comesa programmes and expressed confidence that under President Kibaki's stewardship the regional bloc will realize greater heights of success.

During the occasion a new bureau chaired by President Kibaki was inaugurated. The bureau's vice chair is President Robert Mugabe of Zimbwabwe while President Guelleh is the rapporteur.

Other regional leaders in attendance include President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Levi Mwanawasa of Zambia, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Ethiopia Prime Minister Meles Zinawi and President of Southern Sudan and first Vice-President of Sudan Salva Kiir