The private sector and government should be in a constant confidential dialogue to map out strategies for trade negotiations with other countries and economic regions, an expert from South Africa said this week. Attie Swart, assistant director general for trade and business development in the South African ministry of agriculture told his Namibian counterparts during a trade dialogue session that the various plans for free trade areas between SADC (Southern African Development Community) and SACU (Southern African Customs Union) member countries with the USA, the European Union and even India would need very clear goals set out by each country. Relaying his experiences in South Africa, Swart said that agriculture usually was the most tricky and difficult part of such negotiations. In order to forge better alliances and pool capacities, President Mbeki in 2001 started a discussion round with representatives of South Africa’s agricultural commercial and labour sector, which meets regularly. In a further development, representatives of all sectors in agriculture adapted a Canadian model of a discussion forum approved by the South African agriculture minister. In this forum, regular confidential meetings are held with the ministry and all participants had to sign a certificate of confidentiality.

Frank discussions can be held to discuss trade strategies in order to reach common goals that satisfied government, the industry and the related labour sector, Swart said. Namibia being part of SADC and SACU trade discussions should reach internal consensus to clearly state its aims and concerns with import and export of products. The event was organised by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.