Africa-Press – Ghana. A meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) to finalise preparations for the launch of the 21-member ECOWAS Business Council (EBC) later this year has opened near Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
The weeklong meeting brings together regional experts, partners, and staff of the ECOWAS Private Sector Directorate to complete arrangements for the launch of the private sector-led Council, which will serve as the voice of businesses in the sub-region on matters relating to the business environment.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the TWG was to review progress made so far towards the launch and examine strategic documents such as the governance framework, communication strategy, and the EBC handbook.
Members will also deliberate on the draft agenda for the launch, the proposed logo, and the organogram of the Council.
In addition, the meeting will seek to align the recommendations of the Council with decisions of the ECOWAS management to ensure a successful roll-out.
The statement quoted Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, as saying that the Commission had made deliberate efforts to ensure the Council reflected the region’s diverse economic landscape.
It said in a speech delivered on her behalf by Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, Director of the Private Sector, the Commissioner explained that this had been achieved through extensive consultations with Member States and engagements with regional business associations.
“These efforts are designed to ensure that we create a platform that truly represents the interests of the private sector,” Mrs. Toure-Litse said.
She added that the outcomes of a follow-up expanded meeting with stakeholders would “dovetail seamlessly into the launch by ensuring a smooth transition and a strong foundation for the Council’s work.”
“The follow-up stakeholders’ meeting, to be held later, will bring together partners, regional business groups, private sector operators, and officials of the ECOWAS Private Sector Directorate,” the statement added.
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