The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Fateh Boutbig, outlined on Wednesday the main strategic axes for the continent’s economic integration during an interview granted to the Chinese international network Phoenix TV. At the core of priorities: the effective implementation of AfCFTA and the strengthening of the Sino-African partnership. These statements fit within a context of intense diplomatic activities led by Mr. Boutbig at the continental institution’s official headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
According to an official press release issued by the PAP presidency, Mr. Boutbig spoke during his interview with the Chinese international channel, delving into detail regarding the major challenges of economic integration and the preconditions for the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In this regard, the PAP President articulated his advocacy for the implementation of AfCFTA around four primary pillars. Within this framework, he emphasized that “the success of this continental agreement demands strong political resolve, accelerated harmonization of national legislations, the removal of trade barriers impeding intra-African commerce, alongside infrastructure development and the consolidation of integration among African economies,” the release specified.
Mr. Boutbig also underscored the Pan-African Parliament’s key role in supporting the alignment of member states’ legal frameworks, “thereby contributing to the effective execution of the accord and the achievement of its developmental targets.” Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of “enabling the African continent to generate greater value addition from its natural endowments through industrialization and the reinforcement of African value chains.”
Addressing cooperation between Africa and China, Fateh Boutbig insisted on leveraging the partnership with the People’s Republic of China to bolster the implementation of AfCFTA, foster investment, facilitate technology transfer, and build capacity, all within a vision serving the long-term interests of the African continent and solidifying its standing in the global economy, according to the same source.
On the current day, the PAP President also received the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to South Africa, Huseyin Rahimli. During this courtesy audience, the Azerbaijani diplomat delivered an official letter to Fateh Boutbig while extending warm congratulations on his election to lead the institution.
Following the meeting, Ambassador Rahimli reiterated his nation’s firm commitment to strengthening ties with the Pan-African Parliament, signaling a new strategic milestone in the deepening relationship between Azerbaijan and the African continent.