112 years old, since 1910.
29 April 2024

Courtesy visit of Ambassador of the United States of America to Namibia, Ms. Denise Matieu, to the Executive of SACU, Ms. Tswelopele C. Moremi

1. On 1 August 2008, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Namibia, Mrs. Denise Matieu, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of SACU, Ms. Tswelopele C. Moremi. This visit follows shortly on the signing of the Trade, Investment and Development Cooperation Agreement (TIDCA) between SACU and the United States that took place on 16 July 2008 in Washington, D.C. The aim of this visit was to establish a working relationship between the US Embassy in Windhoek and the SACU Secretariat.

2. The following issues were discussed:

  1. The United States` importance as a trade destination for SACU was highlighted, with SACU being the largest exporter to the USA in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this regard, the recently signed TIDCA is seen as an important tool to promote trade and foster deeper trade relations, not only at the Governmental level, but also for the respective Private Sectors. The TIDCA therefore has to be implemented as speedily as possible. The SACU Secretariat will continue consulting with the Office of the US Trade Representative on this issue. It was agreed that the Secretariat and the US Embassy in Windhoek will work together more closely on this matter. It was also agreed that the SACU Secretariat should become more involved in US trade mission to Namibia, as it could use these opportunities to introduce the Customs Union to the US Private Sector, while also offering assistance in explaining the issues surrounding the functioning of SACU.
  2. An exchange of views took place on regional integration efforts within the Southern African region. Issues addressed were the efforts to deepen the integration of SACU in accordance with the SACU Agreement of 2002, the establishment of a SADC Free Trade Area and Customs Union, as well the status of the negotiations of the SADC-EC EPA.
  3. Both sides expressed their disappointment about the recent collapse of the WTO Doha Development Round of negotiations. Every effort should be made to maintain what has been gained, specifically with regard to market access in agriculture and NAMA. However, the focus on development should not be lost in these negotiations.
  4. Finally, the need for capacity building for trade policy and trade negotiations was identified. It is hoped that the TIDCA will have the potential to make a significant contribution to capacity building, including the private sector within the region.

3. In conclusion, both sides expressed that there is a need for continued interaction of this nature and that it would therefore be prudent to have similar meetings in the future. This is also important in view of the fact that the TIDCA is about to be implemented and it was agreed that open lines of communication should be kept on this, as well as on the other issues discussed.