Ho, Dec. 7, GNA - The preoccupation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to tackle political upheavals in the Sub-region is diverting the attention of the body in achieving its core objectives of economic and social integration.

Mr Clement Nyaaba, Director, Multilateral Regional and Bi-lateral Trade of the Ministry of Trade and Industries made the observation in Ho on Monday. He was answering questions at a two-day sensitisation and information workshop on international trade issues. Mr Nyaaba said attainment of the various protocols of ECOWAS were slower than anticipated because the resources of the Community is being spent mainly on conflict resolution.

He said much as agencies working at the borders should remain alert at all times, their security consciousness must not be a disincentive for free trade among ECOWAS nations.

Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, who opened the seminar said government recognised the role of the private sector in international trade and would therefore drive at policies that would improve market opportunities, competitive production and export development. Topics treated at the seminar included the ECOWAS Integration Process, Customs Procedures for ECOWAS and Preferential Trade Schemes and Accessing Import Incentives.