Strengthening links between South Asia and Africa - Trade and Growth Dialogue
A videoconference discussion connecting audiences in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and the World Bank in Washington, DC
Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 7.00 AM – 9.00 AM EST
Washington venue: MC - C2 - 123
This videoconference is part of a series of regional cooperation dialogue with an objective to initiate, enrich and take forward the discussion among the various Governments and civil society stakeholders on issues of regional cooperation. The goal is to build consensus among the stakeholders including the policy makers and the civil society on the opportunities, challenges and the way ahead.
The session has been organized in view of recently accelerating Asian trade and investment in Africa which hold great promise and present challenges for Africa’s economic growth and development.
The session will start with a brief introductory presentation by Harry Broadman, Economic Advisor for the Africa Region of the World Bank and author of the recent book Africa’s Silk Road: China and India’s New Economic Frontier.
This will be followed by introductory remarks by representatives from Government and private sector representatives from the eight countries. Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister for Industry of Uganda has kindly consented to address the video conference. A representative from FIAS/IFC will briefly present the experiences from Special Economic Zone project in Bangladesh.
A discussion will follow with a focus on highlighting and discussing key issues, historical and recent trends, challenges and priority areas of collaboration for enhanced trade between South Asia and Africa, as well as potential opportunities ahead.
Key questions to be addressed could include:
• What are the main barriers to trade and investment between Africa and South Asia? What can be done about it? How can the two regions work together to diversify and scale up their trade?
• What can Africa and South Asia learn from each other on the effort to improve behind-the-border conditions for trade and investment?
• What role, if any, can the export processing zones (EPZs) and other trade promotion institutions play to maximize trade between the two regions?
The event can also be accessed through live webcast.
http://vcg01.worldbank.org/vc/ then click on 'Live Conferences'
This session has been designed and prepared by Salomon Samen, Senior Economist, World Bank Institute, Ignacio Yanes Hernandez, Consultant, World Bank Institute and Yutaka Yoshino, Economist, Africa Region, World Bank.
Please contact Juan Blazquez for more information about this GDLN event.
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