For the SADC Free Trade Area be successful, the business sector needed to play a more active and collaborative role, the Southern African Development business forum said on Sunday.

Speaking at the launch of the FTA in Sandton, Johannesburg, Zeth Nkosi said: "The private sector has a role to play."

He said the target date of 2010 for the establishment of the SADC Customs Union was "ambitious".

"The FTA should be fully and successfully implemented in the first instance."

Accurate trade statistics were needed from each member state and the lack of this presented a problem for comprehensive economic integration.

The private sector had a pivotal role to play in this and member states should make greater steps to involve it.

"This takes time and considerable political will," said Nkosi.