Participants to the workshop marking the launch of PAFLEC inception study

NAIROBI, Kenya -- AU-IBAR has launched a new project aiming at strengthening or initiating livestock and livestock products trade pathways on the Continent. This initiative is a concrete response to one of the recommendations of the 8th conference of Minsters responsible for animal resources in Africa held in May 2010 in Entebbe, Uganda, where Minsters recommended to IBAR to “propose alternatives for improving intra African trade and improve competitiveness” and to “establish a dedicated desk in support of intra African trade in animal products”.

The Panafrican Forum for Livestock Exporting Countries (PAFLEC) will be established as a continental network of livestock value chain stakeholders, supported by a permanent Secretariat in AU-IBAR. PAFLEC will facilitate exchange of information and dialogue between stakeholders and between exporting and importing countries, create awareness on trade issues and identify measures to be taken, help develop partnerships and synergies, promote and increase visibility of African Livestock commodities, and strengthen capacities of stakeholders in exporting countries.

PAFLEC implementation started late 2010 with the launch of the inception study which will be completed in February 2011.

The launching of the network itself and the creation of PAFLEC Secretariat in AU-IBAR will take place in 2011.