Dr. Moustafa El Said Hassouna, Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS), Nairobi, Kenya

"Regional Associations and Relations with the EU after 2000."

Comments

One participant asked Dr. Hassouna to comment on Dr. Gonzales' statement about the need to make future Lomé agreements region specific.

Dr. Hassouna responded that a new formula was related to issues of globalisation and liberalisation. He wondered who would come up with such a formula, and whether it would be accepted by Europe.

Mr. Noguera asked about the extent to which financial, banking, tourist and other services were being explored. He referred to the resurgence of the East African Community and the historical lessons it had learnt. He also asked about the differences between the Caribbean region and East Africa.

Dr. Hassouna said East Africa's tourist industry was in depression because of political obstacles and bad publicity from the international press. Regarding the integration of East Africa, though there was some nostalgia for the past gains of the EAC, such as a strong currency, the stronger impulse was to "go it alone". The pressure to integrate was chiefly external, with the EU more interested in such a move than the EA states themselves.

Mr. Noguera asked whether the investment for non-traditional production was coming from domestic, international or EU sources. He also wanted to know what was the biggest obstacle to enhancing investment in the region.

Dr. Hassouna replied that most of the investment in non-traditional goods emanated from EU sources and was exported to the European Community. Regarding obstacles to investment, there were many stemming from concerns about political instability within and the marginalisation of Africa. The international press had exaggerated the plight of Africa and contributed to this negative impression. Larger industries were suffering because of this "Afro-pessimism" , but within Africa there was little effort to counteract these reports.

It was asked whether there was scope for a new direction in trade.

Dr. Hassouna answered yes, saying that this would have to be promoted by the governments in question. East Africans were currently more interested in trade with Far Eastern states than with traditional European and American markets.