Introduction to the SADC FTA Website

This website on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Free Trade Area (FTA) aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Create a platform through which the various target groups and audiences, stakeholders and role-players of the SADC FTA can be informed and educated about the various aspects of the SADC FTA;

• Ensure that the various target groups and audiences, stakeholders and role-players take ownership of the FTA Regime and become its "ambassadors, promoters, defenders and communication multipliers" across the SADC Region and beyond;

• Foster a culture of dialogue and debate amongst the various stakeholders, target groups, role players and SADC Co-operating partners regarding the SADC FTA;

• Enrich and perfect the various components of the SADC FTA for the ultimate benefit of the citizens and residents of the SADC Region and those with whom they conduct trade, business and investment outside the Region; and

• Develop collaborative efforts with SADC Member States' relevant and appropriate structures such as the SADC National Committees, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Non-Governmental Forums, Mass Media Associations and Parliamentary Forums.

In line with the overall objectives of the SADC FTA, this website provides adequate background to the rationale, origin, evolution, aims and objectives, legal aspects, implementation schedules, various corner stones such as "the rules of origin" and other matters regarding the SADC FTA.

In addition, it contains the Special Message by the Executive Secretary of SADC.

Equally, the website on the SADC FTA is designed in such a manner as to have elements and/or sections dealing with "Events and Happenings", "Tips", "Experts Views" and "Comments" on the SADC FTA. Print materials (flyer, brochure, etc), video clippings and audio sound-bites and photographs on various activities regarding the SADC FTA.

The success of all the information and education initiatives of the SADC FTA, in general, and the electronic communication systems such as this website, in particular, depends on the co-operation, assistance, and collaboration of all the stakeholders, target audiences and role-players of the SADC FTA.

Enjoy using this website and being part of this new development in the communication, information and education efforts of SADC! Support the SADC FTA for the economic prosperity of the citizens of the Region.

ES Message for the FTA Webpage.pdf

Introduction - Portuguese.doc

ES MSG - Portuguese.doc