THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY Question 443 Mr T D Harris (DA) to ask the Minister of Trade and Industry: Whether he intends inviting members of the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry to attend the ‘tripartite summit’ of the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community and the Common Market of East and Southern Africa; if not, what will the role of Parliament be in the process leading to the establishment of a Grand Free Trade Area for Africa; if so, what are the relevant details? NW474E Response: A Summit by definition, is a meeting of Heads of State. If a request is made by the Portfolio Committee for some members to attend part of the proceedings, we will forward this for consideration. Parliament will play an important role in the process of establishing the envisioned Tripartite Free Trade Area (T-FTA) between SADC, EAC and COMESA. The Department of Trade and Industry is ready to brief the relevant Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on the preparatory process we have undertaken and the broad principles and approach we propose for the negotiations. We are also ready to regularly update Parliament as required, and to take into account any advice or guidance Parliament would offer. Of course, at the end of the negotiating process, Parliament will need to assess the outcome prior to ratification and entry into force of the envisioned Agreement.