Overview
The Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern African States (PTA) was established in 1982. The original treaty called for a gradual reduction and eventual elimination of customs duties and non-tariff barriers. The PTA moved into its next phase – the establishment of a common market with the formation of COMESA in 1995.
In order to promote the achievement of the aims and objectives, COMESA has established a customs union that aims to abolish all tariff and non-tariff barriers among member states. This means among other things, the evolution of uniform national customs legislation and procedures and the reduction and eventual elimination of import duties and non-tariff barriers on trade among themselves. The target is set for October 2000.
Nature of Business
COMESA aims to promote ‘economic prosperity through regional integration’. It has 21 member states , and aims to establish a Free Trade area that promotes interregional trade.
General Information
Organisation Type: Organisation
Registered in: Zambia
Nick name/Abbrev.: COMESA
Previous Name: Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern African States (PTA)
Business Sector(s):
Trading
General Trading
Related Organisations
has a share in: Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank – Nairobi, Kenya
Related Countries
has member: Angola
has member: Burundi
has member: Comoros
has member: Democratic Republic of The Congo
has member: Djibouti
has member: Egypt
has member: Eritrea
has member: Ethiopia
has member: Kenya
has member: Madagascar
has member: Malawi
has member: Mauritius
has member: Namibia
has member: Rwanda
has member: Seychelles
has member: Sudan
has member: Swaziland
has member: Tanzania
has member: Uganda
has member: Zambia
has member: Zimbabwe
Directors/Managers
Secretary General: Mr EJO Mwencha (Erastus)
Contact Information
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
E-mail: Not Known
Office Address:
Trade and Customs Division
Lotti House
Cairo Road
Lusaka
10101
Zambia
Postal Address:
PO Box 30051
Lusaka
10101
Zambia