I struggled quite a lot in defining what I should say in this opening address. Given the breadth and depth of expertise that you all collectively bring to this forum, it would be presumptuous on my part to lay out the agenda of deliberations over the next two days.
The harmonization of stock market regulations and trading practices that would accompany any regionalization of exchanges could deepen regional integration more broadly in policy areas such as foreign exchange, taxation, accounting standards, corporate governance and legal practices. I am aware that SADC exchanges have been working toward adopting a common framework for clearing and settlement.