The 14th Session of ECOWAS-UEMOA inter-institutional meetings held in Ouagadougou from 15 to 22 June 2015 discussed issues of convergence and coordination of the various programs implemented by both organizations to strengthen and harmonize the regional integration process. During this meeting, ECOWAS President, Mr. Kadré Désiré Ouedraogo and UEMOA President, Mr. Cheikhe Hadjibou Soumaré examined, in depth, several issues including the progress of the convergence in the areas of Infrastructure, Mines, Agriculture, Trade, Customs, Energy, Education, Law, and Telecommunications. The implementation and the monitoring of the recommendations of the last meetings of the Joint Technical Secretariat (JTS), the outlook for the Regional Indicative Programme (RIP 11th EDF), the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the EPA Development Programme (PAPED) were among other topics on the agenda.
In reviewing the common regional programs and projects included in the convergence pipeline between the two Institutions, MM. Ouédraogo and Soumaré noted an implementation rate of 64% of the 10th EDF. They gave the necessary instructions to the agencies and implementing agencies to be more diligent. For the 11th EDF, they welcomed the progress made in developing the Strategy Paper RIP 11th EDF. They insisted on the inclusion of infrastructure components and competitiveness as well as the creation of a regional unit to monitor these issues.
Concerning the EPA, the Institution leaders noted with satisfaction the signature of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) by the majority of Member States and stressed the need to accelerate the completion of the signing by those who have not yet done.
Regarding the EPA Regional Fund, to be established, the two presidents emphasized the role of banking structures with a regional focus such as BOAD and EBID in the management of this fund. They stressed the development dimension of the EPA and expressed the wish to see respected commitments and the agreement fully implemented by the partners.
About the EPA communication component the leaders asked to ensure collective ownership of the agreement through a joint, permanent and adequate communication.
Regarding the ECOWAS Common External Tariff, heads of institutions noted its effective implementation by eight States of the Community on the date of 31 May and commitment of the 7 others to apply before the end of 2015.
Regarding TICAD projects Désiré Ouédraogo and Kadré Cheikhe Hadjibou Soumare noted the interest shown by the Japanese side on projects of road and rail sectors in West Africa.
Under the PCD, the presidents noted the action taken to organize a high level conference on internal regional development funding and a donor round table scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2015 Abidjan.
Regarding the Sahel Strategy, MM. Ouédraogo and Soumaré stressed the need for good coordination of the various initiatives in the Sahel in order to avoid duplications.
Drawing the conclusion of their meeting, Presidents Ouédraogo and Soumaré reiterated their commitment to work together on projects of regional integration to provide a better response to the challenges and aspirations of the peoples. They mentioned the vitality and the excellence of the ECOWAS-UEMOA partnership, among others, on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the 10th and 11th EDF, the Common External Tariff, the TICAD (Japanese Cooperation), Community Development Programme (CDP) and the Sahel Strategy.
The 14th ECOWAS-UEMOA inter-institutional meeting took place in the presence of Commissioners in charge of convergence issues, the OIG officials in the region, technical directors and Experts from both Commissions.