BY Ernest Chibuike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government of Enugu State, successfully held a one-day workshop on the modalities for participation in the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.
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The workshop brought together manufacturers, exporters, importers, SMEs, and entrepreneurs to explore the vast opportunities under the ETLS, a regional policy framework designed to promote free trade among the 12 member countries of ECOWAS.
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The ETLS works by removing customs duties and eliminating non-tariff barriers on goods originating within the region, provided such goods meet a local content requirement of at least 60%. This initiative guarantees unhindered market access and the free movement of goods across West Africa, thereby fostering economic integration and industrial growth.
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‎Dignitaries in attendance included Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who is also Patroness of the Pan-Commonwealth Society of Africa (PCSA); and Chief Christian Ezenwoke, Ochili of Nise.
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Participants were trained on how to qualify for and maximize the benefits of the scheme, as well as the procedures for obtaining the ETLS Certification (Certificate of Origin), which enables businesses to enjoy duty-free access within the sub-region.
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The event was widely regarded as vital in deepening regional cooperation and empowering local industries to leverage the ECOWAS free trade framework for growth and competitiveness.
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