The Agreement is also of a new species in that it is the first trade deal that directly supports the economic integration of a specific region, favouring closer links within the six Southern African nations involved.
Leping on erakordne, sest esimest korda toetatakse kaubanduslepinguga otseselt konkreetse piirkonna majanduslikku integreerumist, edendades tihedamate sidemete loomist Aafrika kuue lõunapoolsema riigi vahel, kes lepingus osalevad.