Ambassador Gene A. Cretz addressed attendees at the launch of the Food Across Borders Program, emphasizing the importance of regional trade in West Africa's food security. The program, known as ProFAB, is a collaborative effort supported by USAID and coordinated by ECOWAS and UEMOA. The Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) will implement it with coordination from Hub Rural.
ProFAB aims to address barriers to cross-border trade such as road harassment, export restrictions, and cumbersome border procedures. Ambassador Cretz stated, "The U.S. Government is proud to support West Africans as you move forward on your regional integration agenda and take actions to increase the food security and well-being of the people in this region."
The initiative aligns with broader efforts like ECOWAP—the ECOWAS Regional Agricultural Policy—and aims to contribute to economic growth by facilitating easier movement of food across borders. Ambassador Cretz noted that ProFAB would help farmers and businesses complete necessary transactions more efficiently.
ECOWAS has taken significant steps towards economic integration with initiatives like the Trade Liberalization Scheme and the Common External Tariff. These policies require implementation at national levels to foster increased trade.
Ambassador Cretz expressed gratitude towards Ghana for hosting the event and acknowledged their efforts in reducing trade barriers along its corridors. He also thanked ECOWAS for its leadership and collaboration with the U.S., highlighting contributions from various organizations involved in ProFAB.
In conclusion, he extended his appreciation to all participants, expressing hope for success in achieving ProFAB's objectives.