A visiting Nigerian delegation has called upon the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa ( COMESA) to emulate the achievements of other economic groups in integrating cooperation to accelerate economic development in the region.

Addressing a press briefing here Friday, delegation leader Mohammed Bahjatu-Saleh said the European Union (EU) has advanced in the realization of economic development that set an example for the COMESA.

He also noted that the 15-member Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS) had rationalized the movement of people and was endeavoring to have two convertible currencies by 2009, which COMESA could emulate from.

The delegation wound up Friday a three-day visit to COMESA secretariat aimed at enhancing the relationship between Nigeria and Africa's biggest economic group.

The visit is also part of the fact-finding tour which will see the delegation visit seven other regional economic communities to learn how they operate and what has been done in the areas of infrastructure, development and trade.

Acting Secretary-General of COMESA Sindiso Ngwenya pointed out that Nigeria is a big player in ECOWAS and that COMESA has a lot to learn from the region particularly in the field of free movement of people.

COMESA is Africa's largest economic integration group, with its 20 member states boasting a total population of 385 million. It is expected to launch a customs union by the end of 2008.

Source: Xinhua