Noting that the Treaty establishing the Southern African Development Community
has, in Article 22, expressly called for the conclusion of Protocols as may
be necessary in each area of co-operation within the Community;
Considering that trade in goods and services and the enhancement of cross-border
investment are major areas of cooperation among the Member States of the Community;
Recognizing that the development of trade and investment is essential to
the economic integration of the Community;
Recognizing that an integrated regional market will create new opportunities
for a dynamic business sector;
Convinced of the need to strengthen customs co-operation and combat illicit
trade within the Community;
Convinced that a framework of trade co-operation among Member States based
on equity, fair competition and mutual benefit will contribute to the creation
of a viable Development Community in Southern Africa;
Mindful of the different levels of economic development of the Member States
of the Community and the need to share equitably the benefits of regional
economic integration;
Committed to linking the liberalization of trade to a process of viable
industrial development, as well as co-operation in finance, investment and
other sectors ;
Noting the provisions of the Abuja Treaty calling for the establishment
of regional and sub-regional economic groupings as building blocs for the
creation of the African Economic Community ;
Mindful of the results of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations
on global trade liberalization
Recognizing the obligations of Member States in terms of existing regional
trade arrangements and bilateral trade agreements;