UN chief stresses 'mutually supportive' nature of Africa's free trade, industrialization

21 Novembre 2017

New York, USA, November 21 (Infosplusgabon) - Africa's industrial development and proposed continental free trade would complement each other, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday, marking the UN-proclaimed day for Africa's industrialization.

“This year's Africa Industrialization Day highlights the links between industrial development and Africa's moves towards establishing a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA),” Mr. Guterres said in his message for the Day.

“These are mutually supportive endeavours,” he added, reaffirming that the continued strong commitment of the United Nations to support Africa's industrialization, the implementation of a continental free trade agreement, and the building of inclusive, resilient, peaceful and prosperous societies for all.

Mr. Guterres stressed that industrialization is a primary driver of economic growth and job creation, and will be pivotal in efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Africa Union's 'Agenda 2063,' a UN statement said.

He also highlighted the importance of making strategic investments in cross-border infrastructure, promoting green technologies and low-carbon solutions, fostering small and medium enterprises, and forging partnerships to spur innovation and create incentives to power sustainable growth.

“It will also be critical to unleash the capacities of Africa's young people and to strengthen African institutions,” he said, as both the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 recognise these imperatives.

In 1989, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 20 November Africa Industrialization Day.

This year's theme is 'African Industrial Development: A Pre-Condition for an Effective and Sustainable Continental Free Trade Area.'

FIN/INFOSPLUSGABON/OLM/ GABON 2017

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