According to a European Union (EU), Jose Maria Medina Navarro, Malawi must focus on making the most of trade integration if she is to be part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said the above during a validation workshop on studies on opportunities and challenges for Malawi’s participation in various trade agreements. Jose Maria Medina Navarro, who is the EU’s Team Leader for Economic, Trade and Governance Section, said integration has proven effective in facilitating trade and economic growth.

On the other hand, a study by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, in partnership with the European Union (EU) has shown that Malawi will lose K8 billion per year, if the country ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Trade and Development Studies centre director Moses Tekere outlined that the trade area has its pros and cons, but Malawi needs to take a strategic trade liberalisation, which takes into account the sensitivity of industries, especially those that need to be afforded some protection before the circles are opened up.