power and communications as a prelude to preferential trade arrangement. The
gradual approach to regional integration in SACU is noted. Another instructive characteristic
of the SACU is the promotion of country-specific growth and development that are consistent
with increase in intra-regional trade and cross-border investments. The roles of export oriented
strategies and country-specific multilateral trade liberalization are also useful lessons for
SADC. More importantly, policy coordination in external economic relations is of importance.