The focus of this article is on The SADC Trade Protocol aims for liberalization of all trade by 2012. Member countries have agreed to liberalize 85 percent of intra-SADC trade by 2008 and liberalize sensitive products by 2012. The article looks at whether SADC achieved its objectives with relation to liberalization and also tackles the challenge in maintaining fiscal sustainability after liberalization especially for low income countries.
This publication was prepared for the Inside Southern African Trade (INSAT) News Publication Issue 15 available on the Southern African Global Competitiveness Hub website, http://www.satradehub.org