Ethiopia, Yemen, Sudan in pact
2004-01-01 13:13
Addis Ababa - A charter signed by the leaders of Ethiopia, Sudan and Yemen formalising the Tripartite Sana'a Co-operation Forum was on "all-round co-operation", including the setting up of a free-trade area, according to Ethiopian foreign minister Seyoum Mesfin.
In a statement on Thursday, he said: "The free-trade area will be a step forward for the three countries and the interests of their respective people."
Seyoum said the establishment of a "free-trade area" would be among activities to be undertaken in 2004 in line with the decision of the Second Tripartite Sana'a Co-operation Forum held on December 29 in Addis Ababa.
He said Ethiopia and the Sudan already had started implementing "zero tariff" trade exchange after establishing a free-trade area between them earlier in 2003.
"Yemen has now consented to come onboard, and the deal will enhance people-to-people relations of the three countries and would also provide greater value for the benefit of the people of Ethiopia, the Sudan and Yemen," he said.
The Ethiopian foreign minister said the three countries also had agreed to establish a joint business council involving the private sector to enhance trade exchange and promote investment and joint ventures.
A trade exhibition for the duration of the tripartite summit was also held in Addis Ababa in which 32 businesses from the three countries displayed raw products and manufactured goods. - Sapa-DPA
- SAPA