However, building economic cooperation in Central Africa could not be accomplished by East Africa and South Germany alone. South Germany itself was landlocked, while Central Africa's outlets to the sea were controlled by East Africa, Belgium, and Germany.
Although East Africa had its own seaports, they were still somewhat distant from East Africa's Northwest Region. Thus, the best solution was to open up maritime routes through Belgium and Germany.
Mori said, "Belgium and Germany are both economically strong, but neither country can effectively extend its influence over its colonies in Central Africa. Therefore, building the Central African economy requires cooperation among us."
"The first step is to establish interconnected land transportation, including railways, highways, and other infrastructure; jointly develop the region's mineral resources; and thereby bring economic benefits to all our countries."
"The second step is to open markets within the region, unify tariffs, and establish a Central African Economic Union, allowing resources to be monetized and trade to supply what each side lacked."
"There is no doubt that once this Central African Economic Union is completed, East Africa will be able to expand its influence within the region and strengthen its economic exchanges with member states. You, meanwhile, will be able to accelerate the development of your colonies through this regional economic union and raise the value of your respective colonies or national territories."
The terms offered by East Africa were remarkably sincere. By the logic of international society in this era, East Africa's approach did not fit the usual style of Imperialist countries.
Take the United States, for example. It wished it could drive every other colonial power out of the entire Americas, leaving itself alone to dominate the continent.
As Africa's strongest country, East Africa could, generally speaking, establish an East African version of the Monroe Doctrine