By Lizzy Okoji
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Sidie Tunis, has harped on the need to boost trade relations between West African nations and the Kingdom of Morocco to boost economic growth.
Tunis made this known while addressing the Moroccan House of Councilors at the opening of the 6th International Parliamentary Forum on Social Justice, in Rabat, Morocco themed “Social Dialogue and the Stakes of the Social State”.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Communications Department of the ECOWAS Parliament on Tuesday in Abuja.
Tunis noted that the trade relations between Morocco and West Africa was currently low, stressing the need for trade relations to be scaled up.
Tunis also harped on the need for alliances to be forged between sub-regional blocs and among all African countries to foster development, prosperity and peace building.
This he explained will enable the African continent take its pride of place among other continents.
He pointed out that ECOWAS had recognized Morocco’s policies as regards ECOWAS countries as well as the numerous reforms undertaken in order to successfully integrate itself into the global economy and Africa in particular.
“We equally acknowledge the low level of trade with ECOWAS countries, the barriers to free movement of peoples and the weak dynamism of our partnership
.
“All of which could be boosted with the development of appropriate frameworks for enhanced trade cooperation.
“We are hopeful that sooner than later, an equilibrium relationship between the Kingdom of Morocco and ECOWAS will be established, thereby paving the way for strengthened economic, political and investment ties.
“It remains an incontestable fact that because of our intertwined relationship, the prosperity, stability and security of one side, has a direct effect on the other.
“The global dynamics and insurmountable challenges to which our world has been subjected to, necessitates that both sides think out of the box and see the vast potential for prosperity and development that our union can bring.
“Such alliances, when successfully forged would, no doubt, usher in the beginning of the process of a new regional development trajectory, aimed at giving our continent a sense of peace, dignity and prosperity.
“We hold the view that if we want a continent that is fair and prosperous; a region in which the uncommon dreams of all will have a fair chance of realization; a region where the weak can become strong.
“Then the leaders of today must rise up to these challenges and work assiduously towards promoting genuine and durable collaboration,” Tunis stated
Speaking on the event, Tunis lauded the proclamation of the UN General Assembly’s proclamation, declaring Feb. 20 as World Day of Social Justice which has challenged states to promoting national activities in relations to social Development.
Tunis stated this has ensured nations encapsulate programmes related to conquest of poverty, the goal of full employment and the fostering of overarching objectives of development and social integration.
He lamented the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic which has put so much pressure on the global economy with mass layoffs, pressure on businesses, severely deteriorating working conditions and access to basic social protection.
The ECOWAS Speaker however noted that there was a need to support regional advocacy and local social dialogue of employers and workers to join action with governments in taking strategic measures to overcome crisis and obtain sustainable recovery.
“ECOWAS and its member states had ratified: The Forced Labor Convention, 1930 (No. 29); The Abolition of Forced Labor Convention; 1957 (No. 105); The Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).
“The Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98); The Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100) and The Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention, 1999 (No. 182).
“I however urge the House of Councilors to dedicate the next few days to reviewing all the reports and studies made on the subject.
“And endeavor to enrich collective reflection on the challenges and issues related to social dialogue and its stake on the social state,” Tunis stated.
According to the statement, the ECOWAS Speaker also held two separate meetings with the Speaker of the Moroccan House of Councillors, Ennaam Mayara and Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Mr Rachid Talbi El Alami.
In both meetings, the Parliamentarians also discussed the the need to enhance relations between Morocco and West Africa as well as forging bilateral relations between the ECOWAS Parliament and the Parliament of Morocco.
Also highlighted at the meetings was the appeal by Morocco to move from an observer status to become a permanent member of the sub-regional body, ECOWAS.
The Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament assured that he would work with his colleagues to give relevant support to improve the relations between ECOWAS and Morocco and the possibility of attaining a permanent membership status. (NAN)
