Combating Trade Barriers: PAIRIAC Educates African SMEs

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Central Africa have been drilled on how to overcome trade barriers, reduce transport costs and take advantage of opportunities offered by the African Conti­ nental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This was during a one-day workshop oprgani­ zed in Douala on October 23. Missioned to strengthen regional economic integra­ tion, improve business competitiveness and encourage investment, it was imple­ mented under the Regional Integration and Investment Support Programme in Central Africa (PAIRIAC), with funding from the European Union and initiated by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Central African Economic and Monetary Commu­ nity (CEMAC). During the workshop, Expert number 2 of the PAIRIAC Management Unit, Pierre Bidé, highlighted the importance of re­ porting non-tariff barriers affecting bu­ sinesses along regional trade corridors. Such barriers, he said, include discrimi­ natory practices, unofficial checkpoints, administrative delays and other irregula­ rities that prevent businesses from ac­ cessing markets. He urged SMEs to do­ cument incidents before filing complaints, stressing that effective reporting requires evidence of the impact on business acti­ vities, including declining turnover, loss of customers, additional expenses and difficulties accessing markets. He disclosed that two reporting platforms, including the continental mechanism and the regional platform supported under the programme, are intended to help tra­ ders and transporters report irregularities. The information submitted enables the relevant authorities to investigate com­ plaints, address abuses and improve trade procedures. Confidentiality is also essential to protect complainants against possible reprisals. Pierre Bidé further underscored the im­ portance of establishing one-stop bo...