The European Union will finance the modernisation of all customs technology and equipment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) with N$130 million (18 million euros). An agreement was to be signed on Thursday night in Windhoek after the official closure of the 2-day consultative conference of all 14 SADC countries and international cooperation partners. Making the announcement on Thursday at noon, SADC executive secretary Dr Tomaz Salomao said the support would go a far way to bring SADC customs technology and systems in line with international standards. Following the conference, the delegates remain behind on Friday, 28 April for another meeting, with an Indian government delegation to discuss the expansion of trade between India and the SADC region.