Organization of American States: Togo joins as a Permanent Observer

Politics

Wednesday, 07 February 2024 17:07

Organization of American States: Togo joins as a Permanent Observer

(Togo First) - Togo recently joined the Organization of American States (OAS) as a Permanent Observer State. Frederic Hegbe, Togolese Ambassador to the U.S., presented the related credentials to the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, on January 26, 2024.

I received credentials from Ambassador Frédéric Edem Hegbe, Permanent Observer of Togo to the OAS. We discussed Togo’s role as new Permanent Observer and its interest in strengthening ties with OAS Member States, with a particular focus on security and development. pic.twitter.com/8Phxrrx0VO
— Luis Almagro (@Almagro_OEA2015) January 26, 2024

During the meeting, the two diplomats discussed future cooperation between Togo and the OAS. They also identified this cooperation’s priority areas. Ambassador Hegbe then showcased Togo’s major economic sectors–agriculture, mining, and regional trade–and highlighted its advantageous geographic position relative to Sahel countries.

Commenting on the rising insecurity at the sub-regional and global levels, Frederic Hegbe underlined Togo's commitment to a regional and multilateral approach to military cooperation to tackle terrorism. "Our country is committed to a regional and multilateral approach to military cooperation, convinced that pooling our efforts is fundamental to stemming these two phenomena," he said.

In response, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro said the Organization was proud to welcome Togo onboard as a Permanent Observer State.

Founded in 1948, the OAS covers diplomacy and cooperation in its 35 Member countries. The Organization focuses on tackling economic and social development issues. Thus, its programs aim to reduce poverty, improve education and public health, and foster trade and investment, while striving to resolve conflicts.

Togo joined the Organization to find new investment opportunities, among others. Driven by the same ambition, the West African country has undertaken similar moves with other international organizations in recent years.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

REFORMS OVERVIEW

STARTING A BUSINESS (more info)

At the fifteenth position, worldwide, and first in Africa, under the Starting a Business index of the 2020 Doing Business ranking, Togo sustains its reformative dynamics with more reforms….

ENFORCING CONTRACTS (more info)

Compared to some years ago when it was one of the lowest rankers under the Doing Business’ Enforcing Contracts indicator, Togo, leveraging many efforts to improve its business climate, was able to jump significantly on the index in the recent years... .

CONTRACT EXECUTION (more info)

Creation of special chambers of commerce for small debts • Creation of chambers of commerce at the Court of Appeal • Civil and commercial cases now handled by distinct clerks • Establishment of commercial courts in Lomé and Kara • Lawyers and bailiffs now have access to the FORSETI COMMERCIAL platform • A maximum period of 100 days was fixed to settle a commercial dispute .

TRADING ACROSS BORDERS (more info)

In comparison to previous years,Togo has significantly improved its ranking under the“Trading across borders” indicator by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

In comparison to previous years, Togo has significantly improved its ranking on the “Trading across borders” index by adopting multiple reforms that focus mainly on the digitalization and reduction in delays, for import and export procedures related to import and export.

CONSTRUCTION PERMIT (more info)

After moving from the 133rd to 127th place under the 2020 Doing Business’ construction permit index, Togo intends to reiterate this feat in the coming edition of the global ranking. To this end, it has introduced this year multiple reforms.

GETTING ELECTRICITY (more info)

Over the past two years, Togo’s ranking under the Doing Business’ Getting electricity and water indicator has increased consistently. Owing this performance to multiple reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to access power and water, Lomé plans to introduce even more reforms this year to keep up its improvements.

REGISTERING A PROPERTY (more info)

Out of all the 'Doing Business’ indicators, Property Registration is where Togo has improved the most since 2018. Indeed, after spending years in the lowest part of this ranking, the country now seeks to beat Rwanda which is the best performer on this index in Africa. To do so, Lomé has been introducing many reforms, with the latest batch implemented this year.

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (more info)

From professionalization to digitization, through legislative regulations, Togo’s public procurement framework is constantly being modernized. Several reforms have been implemented to improve the sector much to the benefit of the private sector, which is the focus of the National Development Plan.

PAYING TAXES AND DUTIES (more info)

To improve its business environment, Togo introduced some important reforms related to the payment of tax and duties. From the replacement of some taxes to the cancellation of others through exemptions, the country has only one objective: offer the most attractive tax framework to investors and economic operators. To achieve this, the authorities relied on digitization.