KINSHASA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The 16th Meeting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Council of Ministers officially opened Tuesday in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with a strong call from President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo for deeper continental cooperation.

In his opening remarks, the DRC president urged African leaders to pool resources and coordinate efforts to turn the shared aspirations of the continent into tangible realities for African citizens.

"By uniting 54 nations under a common market for goods and services, facilitating the free movement of people and capital, and laying the groundwork for a customs union, the AfCFTA offers a unique platform to transcend borders and unlock Africa's economic potential," he stated.

Tshisekedi highlighted the strategic benefits of the trade pact, including expanded regional market access, technology sharing, skills transfer, and the development of regional value chains.

"The AfCFTA provides strengthened access to regional markets and a strategic opportunity to share technologies, transfer skills, and build shared value chains," he said. "By combining our efforts and resources, we can turn our continental ambitions into concrete improvements in the daily lives of our people."

To make the AfCFTA a success, he further called on all African countries to invest in cross-border infrastructure, harmonize regulations, and support businesses in tapping into the continental market.

Reaffirming the DRC's commitment to regional integration, the president also proposed Kinshasa as a host city for any future AfCFTA institutions or services.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony, DRC Minister of External Trade Julien Paluku emphasized the DRC's ongoing preparations to integrate into African markets.

He cited strategic initiatives underway, including a national industrialization plan and an agricultural transformation agenda, while stressing the urgent need for infrastructure development to support this vision. Enditem

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