IDB African member countries discuss economic integration

RIYADH: A total of 27 officials from 20 African member countries of the Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank (IDB) attended a workshop from Feb. 20-22 in Dakar, Senegal’s capital, to discuss intra-trade routes.
With experts from regional and international organizations also in attendance, “officials discussed the role of intra-trade routes in realizing economic integration among member countries,” said an IDB official who requested anonymity.
The event also discussed capacity enhancement via better understanding of the significance of regional economic cooperation and integration, with a focus on the importance of trade and transport routes, and better identification of challenges and obstacles.
It also dealt with the best ways to develop trade routes and activate initiatives by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), as well as those of southern and eastern Africa.
Coordination among the IDB’s African member countries to overcome challenges hindering intra-trade was also discussed.
The workshop came in the framework of the IDB program to provide technical assistance to member countries to further progress and secure regional integration into the multilateral trading system.
This is in line with the bank’s 10-year strategic program, which aims to enhance regional links while promoting and facilitating trade among member countries.
The IDB has been providing its member countries, including those in Africa, with technical and capacity building support in addition to training courses.