Luanda – Most of the African states are “chronic importers” of consumer goods as they lack infrastructures and a developed industry.

This was said Friday in Luanda by the political analyst, Belarmino Van-Dúnem.

 
The analyst was speaking to Angop about the outcome of the 18th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held recently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said most of the African countries are not in a position to join a Customs Union, but admitted that part of the regional economic communities is already moving towards a free trade zone.

         
According to the specialist, this would be followed by the integration of a Customs Union, with a view to the economic integration of the states.

However, he added, due the economic imbalances still existing, coupled with the lack of macro-economic convergence, the accomplishment of the above mentioned goals becomes hard to come true.

 
He mentioned that the Free Trade Area or Free Trade Zone is a step on the way toward a Customs Union.

          
The Customs Union corresponds to a stage or model of regional economic integration whereby the member countries of a free trade zone adopt a common tariff for imports from external markets.