LOZITHA: Neal Rijikernberg, the eSwatini Minister of Finance has urged member States within the Southern African Customs Union(SACU) to collectively address the economic challenges, triggered by global development including the Russia-Ukraine war.
Speaking during the SACU Summit held at Lozitha Palace-Mandvulo Hall on Thursday, the outgoing Chairperson of SACU Council of Ministers said, the Summit acknowledged the global developments, that have had a significant impact on the economies of the SACU Member States.
“These include the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has led to global economic consequences and geopolitical divisions.The economic consequences of this conflict include supply chain disruptions and instability in the food and energy markets, resulting in a pessimistic global economic outlook for 2023,” said the Minister as quoted by Government online platforms.
The Finance Minister further mentioned that the Summit emphasized the importance of continued close collaboration among SACU Member States to address the economic challenges arising from these global developments.
"The Summit commended the Council on the progress made in implementing the SACU Strategic Plan, which was approved by the Council and endorsed by the Summit in June 2022,” he said.
Outgoing Chairperson of the SACU Council of Ministers Neal Rijkenberg delivering the SACU communique during the closing of the 8th SACU Summit of Heads of State and Governments.