In this context, an efficient, continent-wide single market can make a fundamental contribution in promoting inclusive economic growth across a more integrated continent. Against this background, I want to share with you some of Ireland’s experiences as a small country and member of a much larger regional single market and trading bloc – the European Union (EU).
Membership of the EU has been a primary driver of our economic transformation over the last forty five years. Of course, our experience is not directly applicable to the African context and the EU is much more than a free trade area, with extensive economic, social and political inter-linkages.