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The acp-eu-trade.org newsletter - No. 17/April 2008
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The acp-eu-trade.org newsletter -- No. 17/April 2008
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In this issue:
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I. Focus on…: The new EPAs: comparative analysis of their content and the challenges for 2008
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II. Trade Negotiations Insights Vol.7, No.3
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III. News: Highlights
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IV. Selection from the acp-eu-trade.org Library
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V. Resources from Recent Events
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VI. Upcoming Events
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Dear readers,
Welcome to the April issue of the acp-eu-trade.org newsletter!
This newsletter provides you with a selection of press articles, highlights some new documents in the acp-eu-trade.org library and gives access to resources from recent events.
For a summary of the state of ACP-EU trade negotiations in each negotiating region, please consult www.acp-eu-trade.org/epa.
ACP-EU stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the various services provided via this website with the aim to exchange relevant information, build up trade negotiating capacity and facilitate networking activities. We therefore invite our readers to take an active role in www.acp-eu-trade.org by:
• Registering on-line as a trade and development expert to help mobilise the best expertise in ACP-EU trade and development matters and give interested parties easier access to information on relevant internationally recognized experts or consultants;
• Submitting relevant background and policy documents, news and links that will enrich the ACP-EU trade debate;
• Subscribing to our monthly newsletter as well as other partners’ to be kept informed of latest developments in the ACP-EU trade realm;
• Sharing your views on the current ACP-EU Trade debate and providing feedback on the relevance and future focus areas of www.acp-eu-trade.org
We appreciate any feedback on this newsletter and look forward to your reactions. You may send your comments to acpeutrade@ecdpm.org.
Enjoy your reading!
Editors: Davina Makhan (dm@ecdpm.org) and Corinna Braun-Munzinger (cbm@ecdpm.org)
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I. Focus On... The new EPAs: comparative analysis of their content and the challenges for 2008
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By the end of 2007, only eighteen African states (including most non-LDCs and some LDCs) had initialled interim EPAs, as had two Pacific non-LDCs (Fiji and Papua New Guinea), while Caribbean countries went further and approved a full EPA. What have they agreed to? What are the main implementation challenges, some of which will require support from Europe? And for those that remain committed to this process, what are the options for the completion of negotiations towards full EPAs?
The Oversees Development Institute (ODI) and the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) have just concluded a study that attempts to analyse these questions as comprehensively as possible, with a focus on Africa.
The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the trade regimes for Africa that on 1 January 2008 replaced the trade preferences under the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA), the negotiations that remain to be completed and the challenges facing Africa in implementation, some of which require support from Europe. The first part of the paper gives an overview of the initialled agreements, comparing both the texts of the agreements and the liberalization schedules that give details on the commitments in the area of trade in goods. The second part reviews the negotiation process that culminated in the initialling of interim EPAs by some ACP states but not by others, explores future options for both current signatories and non-signatories and assesses the aid for trade (AfT) modalities.
-> The complete study can be downloaded in pdf format at www.ecdpm.org/pmr14
->This study has been presented by ECDPM to the following meetings:
• EPAs: What has been agreed so far? What is on the table for development? Implications and way forward, Stocktaking session organized by ECDPM, ODI and Aprodev, Brussels, 17 April 2008
->Information on the ECDPM website
• EPAs: The Way Forward for the ACP , High Level Technical Meeting Organised by the Commonwealth and ACP Secretariat, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-8 April 2008
-> Outcomes of the meeting
->Summary of the meeting, Commonwealth Secretariat
• African Union Conference of Ministers of Trade and Finance, 1-3 April 2008, Addis-Ababa
->Addis Ababa Declaration on EPA Negotiations– outlining a number of contentious issues to be addressed in the ongoing negotiations
->Further recommended reading on the content of the interim EPAs and on the way forward:
Summary of the findings of the ODI-ECDPM study by the Overseas Development Institute:
• The African Economic Partnership Agreements – what the details reveal, Chris Stevens, Mareike Meyn and Jane Kennan, ODI Blog, 8 April 2008
Analysis of content and process from a Southern perspective:
• Market Access for Trade in Goods in Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), South Centre, Fact Sheet N°7, February 2008 ENFR
• EPA Negotiations: State of Play and Strategic Considerations for the Way Forward, South Centre, February 2008 ENFR
Information on the current position of the European Commission:
• Remarks by Peter Mandelson, Commissioner for External Trade, made at a Commission seminar on EPAs at the European Parliament, 17 April 2008
• Interim Economic Partnership Agreements: Questions and Answers, European Commission, 27 March 2008
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II. Trade Negotiations Insights Vol.7, No.3, April 2008
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II. Trade Negotiations Insights Vol.7, No.3, April 2008
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The April 2008 issue of Trade Negotiations Insights (TNI), a joint monthly publication by ICTSD and ECDPM, is now available online at: www.ictsd.org/tni/index.htm
and www.acp-eu-trade.org/tni
and www.acp-eu-trade.org/tni
• Interim EPAs in Africa: What's in them? And what's next?
• The legal status of the initialled EPAs
• Accommodating regional realities: practical issues and challenges for the SADC EPA negotiations
• In focus: Renegotiate the Cariforum EPA
• LDCs rising: the growth of technical capacity
• WTO Roundup
• EPA Negotiations Update
Eclairage sur les Négociations, Vol.7, No.3, avril 2008
• Les APE intérimaires en Afrique : que contiennent-ils? Et quelle est la suite?
• Statut juridique des APE paraphés
• Prise en compte des réalités régionales : questions et défis pour les négociations APE dans la SADC
• Focus: Renégocier l'APE du CARIFORUM
• Essor des PMA : hausse de la capacité technique
• Aperçu sur l'OMC
• Le point sur les négociations des APE
• Calendrier et publications
• The legal status of the initialled EPAs
• Accommodating regional realities: practical issues and challenges for the SADC EPA negotiations
• In focus: Renegotiate the Cariforum EPA
• LDCs rising: the growth of technical capacity
• WTO Roundup
• EPA Negotiations Update
Eclairage sur les Négociations, Vol.7, No.3, avril 2008
• Les APE intérimaires en Afrique : que contiennent-ils? Et quelle est la suite?
• Statut juridique des APE paraphés
• Prise en compte des réalités régionales : questions et défis pour les négociations APE dans la SADC
• Focus: Renégocier l'APE du CARIFORUM
• Essor des PMA : hausse de la capacité technique
• Aperçu sur l'OMC
• Le point sur les négociations des APE
• Calendrier et publications
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III. News: Highlights
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From our News section:
*UNIDO sources indicate: West Africa has validated the regional programme UNIDO elaborated at the request of ECOWAS and named: '' Regional programme for competitiveness, modernisation and upgrading of enterprises''.
This programme has been validated with small modifications during a concertation and restitution workshop held on 11-12 March 2008 in Ouagadougou (Burkina-Faso) and attended by the UEMOA and the ECOWAS Commissions, plus all member states of West Africa (including Mauritania) and its private sector.
The ECOWAS Commission should submit this programme in the forthcoming weeks to the European Commission for securing its financing through the 10th EDF. This programme should be implemented in the framework of the EPA West Africa.
West Africa is therefore the first region to validate (ownership) such a programme.
This programme has been validated with small modifications during a concertation and restitution workshop held on 11-12 March 2008 in Ouagadougou (Burkina-Faso) and attended by the UEMOA and the ECOWAS Commissions, plus all member states of West Africa (including Mauritania) and its private sector.
The ECOWAS Commission should submit this programme in the forthcoming weeks to the European Commission for securing its financing through the 10th EDF. This programme should be implemented in the framework of the EPA West Africa.
West Africa is therefore the first region to validate (ownership) such a programme.
From ACP and EU news providers:
** All-ACP **
* EC Trade Commissioner rules out EPA renegotiation
European Parliament, 18 April 2008
Any renegotiation of the economic partnership agreements (EPAs) already initialled with the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) would be a disaster, Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told members of the EP International Trade Committee on Thursday. […] Referring to recurrent criticisms of the EPAs, Mr Mandelson ruled out "any suggestion of renegotiating the agreements already initialled". The Commissioner was speaking during an information session on the agreements organised by the Trade Committee at which negotiators from the ACP countries were also present. Any renegotiation would constitute "a new threat of legal uncertainty to the agreements but would also be a disaster for the ACP countries", according to Mr Mandelson, who restated his goal of concluding "full EPAs with comprehensive regional coverage" in the six geographical regions.
à see also the Remarks by Peter Mandelson made at this meeting, published by the European Commission, 17 April 2008. On the initialled agreements:
[…] We have made clear that in the context of the negotiations for a full EPA any issue can be discussed. But any suggestion of renegotiation of these agreements will bring a renewed threat of legal uncertainty and risk unravelling everything we have achieved. […]
European Parliament, 18 April 2008
Any renegotiation of the economic partnership agreements (EPAs) already initialled with the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) would be a disaster, Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told members of the EP International Trade Committee on Thursday. […] Referring to recurrent criticisms of the EPAs, Mr Mandelson ruled out "any suggestion of renegotiating the agreements already initialled". The Commissioner was speaking during an information session on the agreements organised by the Trade Committee at which negotiators from the ACP countries were also present. Any renegotiation would constitute "a new threat of legal uncertainty to the agreements but would also be a disaster for the ACP countries", according to Mr Mandelson, who restated his goal of concluding "full EPAs with comprehensive regional coverage" in the six geographical regions.
à see also the Remarks by Peter Mandelson made at this meeting, published by the European Commission, 17 April 2008. On the initialled agreements:
[…] We have made clear that in the context of the negotiations for a full EPA any issue can be discussed. But any suggestion of renegotiation of these agreements will bring a renewed threat of legal uncertainty and risk unravelling everything we have achieved. […]
* EU loses another battle in WTO 'banana wars'
Jonathan Lynn, Reuters, 7 April 2008
The European Union is still breaking international trade rules with its import regime for bananas, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said on Monday. The ruling by a WTO panel, confirming a preliminary judgement made last November, shows that EU regulations are blocking access to the world's biggest banana market for fruit from Ecuador despite attempts by Brussels to reform them. If upheld, the ruling would allow Ecuador to seek sanctions against the EU.
Jonathan Lynn, Reuters, 7 April 2008
The European Union is still breaking international trade rules with its import regime for bananas, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said on Monday. The ruling by a WTO panel, confirming a preliminary judgement made last November, shows that EU regulations are blocking access to the world's biggest banana market for fruit from Ecuador despite attempts by Brussels to reform them. If upheld, the ruling would allow Ecuador to seek sanctions against the EU.
* EU to press Africa on trade deals
Wendell Roelf, Reuters, 7 April 2008
The European Union will increase pressure on some of the world's poorest countries to conclude new trade pacts, a British member of the European parliament said on Monday. […]"The reality is that this current commission will be finishing next year, so before then I think (trade) commissioner (Peter) Mandelson is going to be very keen to conclude the agreements," said Glenys Kinnock, a Labour MEP and co-president of the ACP-EU joint parliamentary assembly.
Wendell Roelf, Reuters, 7 April 2008
The European Union will increase pressure on some of the world's poorest countries to conclude new trade pacts, a British member of the European parliament said on Monday. […]"The reality is that this current commission will be finishing next year, so before then I think (trade) commissioner (Peter) Mandelson is going to be very keen to conclude the agreements," said Glenys Kinnock, a Labour MEP and co-president of the ACP-EU joint parliamentary assembly.
* Africa insists trade and development are inseparable
afriquenligne, 4 April 2008
Demanding assurance that their countries would be better off agreeing to enter Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union (EU), African finance and trade ministers have insisted that the development dimension must be comprehensively addressed in the deals.
In a declaration on the negotiations they issued here late Thursday, the ministers also urged the negotiators to ensure that EPAs take into consideration the coherence between trade and development dimensions as well as Africa's regional integration efforts.
afriquenligne, 4 April 2008
Demanding assurance that their countries would be better off agreeing to enter Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the European Union (EU), African finance and trade ministers have insisted that the development dimension must be comprehensively addressed in the deals.
In a declaration on the negotiations they issued here late Thursday, the ministers also urged the negotiators to ensure that EPAs take into consideration the coherence between trade and development dimensions as well as Africa's regional integration efforts.
* Michel on EPAs: 'I do not accept these excuses'
Raymond Frenken, EUX.TV, 18 March 2008
Continued opposition to new economic partnership agreements for Europe's former colonies is too often based on "simplistic" arguments that are not acceptable to the European Commission. "I do not accept these excuses," says European Development Commissioner Louis Michel in an interview with EUX.TV. "If they really want to profit from globalization, they have no choice."
The economic partnership agreements, known as EPAs, this week again feature prominently on the agenda of the joint parliamentary assembly of countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), together with the European Union, meeting here in Slovenia, which holds the rotating EU presidency.
Raymond Frenken, EUX.TV, 18 March 2008
Continued opposition to new economic partnership agreements for Europe's former colonies is too often based on "simplistic" arguments that are not acceptable to the European Commission. "I do not accept these excuses," says European Development Commissioner Louis Michel in an interview with EUX.TV. "If they really want to profit from globalization, they have no choice."
The economic partnership agreements, known as EPAs, this week again feature prominently on the agenda of the joint parliamentary assembly of countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), together with the European Union, meeting here in Slovenia, which holds the rotating EU presidency.
* Consultation for the preparation of a Commission Communication on Regional Integration for Development in ACP Countries
DG Development, European Commission, period of consultation: 4 March – 9 May 2008
The purpose of this consultation is to gather information and opinion from all stakeholders on regional integration in ACP countries and on possible actions to be taken by the EU, its Member States and other stakeholders to support it. The online consultation is the main channel. -> Access the online consultation: ENFR
DG Development, European Commission, period of consultation: 4 March – 9 May 2008
The purpose of this consultation is to gather information and opinion from all stakeholders on regional integration in ACP countries and on possible actions to be taken by the EU, its Member States and other stakeholders to support it. The online consultation is the main channel. -> Access the online consultation: ENFR
** Caribbean **
* EPA: the Opposition's view point
Anthony Hylton, Jamaica Gleaner, 30 March 2008
The Parliamentary Opposition's best contribution to the debate concerning the economic partnership agreement (EPA), is not to join the cacophony of noise surrounding this matter, but to articulate its own concerns and to provide the rationale for its decision to support a focus on implementation of an amended EPA.
Anthony Hylton, Jamaica Gleaner, 30 March 2008
The Parliamentary Opposition's best contribution to the debate concerning the economic partnership agreement (EPA), is not to join the cacophony of noise surrounding this matter, but to articulate its own concerns and to provide the rationale for its decision to support a focus on implementation of an amended EPA.
* The Official Release of the EPA text
Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, RNM UPDATE 0801, 27 March 2008
The legal scrub of the CARIFORUM- EC Economic Partnership Agreement has been completed. As a consequence the Text has been authorized by Heads of CARIFORUM for official release.
Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, RNM UPDATE 0801, 27 March 2008
The legal scrub of the CARIFORUM- EC Economic Partnership Agreement has been completed. As a consequence the Text has been authorized by Heads of CARIFORUM for official release.
* CRNM EPA Reflections
Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, RNM UPDATE 0801, 27 March 2008
As the CRNM looks to the future, it has already completed its own internal reflections on the EPA negotiations with the aim of identifying core elements of the EPA process that have worked for the Region and those which may be improved and incorporated into future negotiations. The following summarizes a few of the conclusions that arose from CRNM’s internal review of the EPA negotiations.
Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, RNM UPDATE 0801, 27 March 2008
As the CRNM looks to the future, it has already completed its own internal reflections on the EPA negotiations with the aim of identifying core elements of the EPA process that have worked for the Region and those which may be improved and incorporated into future negotiations. The following summarizes a few of the conclusions that arose from CRNM’s internal review of the EPA negotiations.
** West Africa **
* ECOWAS - Greater Regional Integration Canvassed
tradingmarkets.com, 2 April 2008
Various civil society groups drawn from all over the West Africa region have called for greater economic fusion of the region, to help boost rapid development and growth among citizens under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. […]This led to the formation of a platform for NSAs to interact with the ECOWAS consisting of Nine (9) region-wide organisations which are to design and submit its memoranda to the ECOWAS authorities for consideration.
à see also resources from recent events
tradingmarkets.com, 2 April 2008
Various civil society groups drawn from all over the West Africa region have called for greater economic fusion of the region, to help boost rapid development and growth among citizens under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. […]This led to the formation of a platform for NSAs to interact with the ECOWAS consisting of Nine (9) region-wide organisations which are to design and submit its memoranda to the ECOWAS authorities for consideration.
à see also resources from recent events
* La CEDEAO veut appliquer le tarif extérieur en juin prochain
Les Afriques, 22 mars 2008
L’urgence de conclure un accord avec l’Union européenne a remis sur la table le tarif extérieur commun de la CEDEAO. Nouvelle et ambitieuse échéance, le 30 juin prochain.
Les Afriques, 22 mars 2008
L’urgence de conclure un accord avec l’Union européenne a remis sur la table le tarif extérieur commun de la CEDEAO. Nouvelle et ambitieuse échéance, le 30 juin prochain.
** Central Africa **
* Martin Abéga - Entretien : “ … Intégrer les attentes légitimes de financement et du développement ”
Léopold Chendjou, Cameroun Link, 10 avril 2008
Les 10 et 12 mars derniers, les plénipotentiaires africains dans le cadre des négociations des nouveaux accords de partenariat économique (Ape) se sont retrouvés à Bruxelles. Le secrétaire exécutif du Gicam [Groupement Interpatronal du Cameroun] a participé à cette rencontre et fait le point des négociations.
Léopold Chendjou, Cameroun Link, 10 avril 2008
Les 10 et 12 mars derniers, les plénipotentiaires africains dans le cadre des négociations des nouveaux accords de partenariat économique (Ape) se sont retrouvés à Bruxelles. Le secrétaire exécutif du Gicam [Groupement Interpatronal du Cameroun] a participé à cette rencontre et fait le point des négociations.
* Réunion de concertation des Etats de la CEMAC sur les Accords de partenariat économique et sur le 10e FED
Noël Ndong, Les Dépêches de Brazzaville, 27 mars 2008
Les ministres des Etats membres de la Communauté économique et monétaire de l'Afrique centrale (CEMAC) en charge des négociations liées aux Accords de partenariat économique (APE), et les ministres ordonnateurs du Fonds européen de développement (FED) se sont réunis le 25 mars 2008, à Douala, la capitale économique du Cameroun.
L'objet visé par la rencontre était double :
- Harmonisation des positions de tous les Etats de la CEMAC dans la perspective de la signature d'un accord de partenariat complet.
- Harmonisation des priorités pour le 10e FED.
Noël Ndong, Les Dépêches de Brazzaville, 27 mars 2008
Les ministres des Etats membres de la Communauté économique et monétaire de l'Afrique centrale (CEMAC) en charge des négociations liées aux Accords de partenariat économique (APE), et les ministres ordonnateurs du Fonds européen de développement (FED) se sont réunis le 25 mars 2008, à Douala, la capitale économique du Cameroun.
L'objet visé par la rencontre était double :
- Harmonisation des positions de tous les Etats de la CEMAC dans la perspective de la signature d'un accord de partenariat complet.
- Harmonisation des priorités pour le 10e FED.
** ESA **
* Un nouveau Secrétaire général à la tête de la COI
Afriquenligne, 3 avril 2008
[…] les pays membres de la COI -Maurice, Madagascar, La Réunion, les Comores et les Seychelles- ont adopté une déclaration commune relative à l'Accord de partenariat économique (APE) avec l'Union européenne, aux projets touchant à la pêche, au tourisme, au développement et au marquage des cétacés.
*Uganda: Civil Society Vows to Stop EPA
Joseph Olanyo, The Monitor / AllAfrica.com, 28 March 2008
As the recently initialled interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) continues to take centre stage, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Africa have vowed to step up their stop-EPA campaign saying the pact has contentious issues.
CSO's converging in Kampala for a three-day eastern and southern Africa regional forum said on March 26 they are concerned about some clauses in the agreement, which they contend are not developmental and should be rolled back.
They cited among others clauses, which call for free trade opening, non application of export taxes and the provision that once you sign an agreement it can't be open for negotiations.
Afriquenligne, 3 avril 2008
[…] les pays membres de la COI -Maurice, Madagascar, La Réunion, les Comores et les Seychelles- ont adopté une déclaration commune relative à l'Accord de partenariat économique (APE) avec l'Union européenne, aux projets touchant à la pêche, au tourisme, au développement et au marquage des cétacés.
*Uganda: Civil Society Vows to Stop EPA
Joseph Olanyo, The Monitor / AllAfrica.com, 28 March 2008
As the recently initialled interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) continues to take centre stage, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Africa have vowed to step up their stop-EPA campaign saying the pact has contentious issues.
CSO's converging in Kampala for a three-day eastern and southern Africa regional forum said on March 26 they are concerned about some clauses in the agreement, which they contend are not developmental and should be rolled back.
They cited among others clauses, which call for free trade opening, non application of export taxes and the provision that once you sign an agreement it can't be open for negotiations.
** SADC **
* Fragments of trade
Peter Draper and Gerhard Erasmus, Mail & Guardian online, 14 April 2008
In late February, a diplomatic flurry in the regional trading firmament erupted. South Africa's Foreign Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, stated in Parliament that the European Union, out of fear over the Chinese trade "threat", was using economic partnership agreements (EPAs) with the EU to lock in old colonial trading relationships.
Subsequently Peter Mandelson, the EU Trade Commissioner, descended on Pretoria and Gaborone. What is going on?
Peter Draper and Gerhard Erasmus, Mail & Guardian online, 14 April 2008
In late February, a diplomatic flurry in the regional trading firmament erupted. South Africa's Foreign Affairs Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, stated in Parliament that the European Union, out of fear over the Chinese trade "threat", was using economic partnership agreements (EPAs) with the EU to lock in old colonial trading relationships.
Subsequently Peter Mandelson, the EU Trade Commissioner, descended on Pretoria and Gaborone. What is going on?
* South Africa: Tricky Trade Negotiations Need More Discussion
Mathabo le Roux, Business Day / AllAfrica.com, 8 April 2008
European Union (EU) trade commissioner Peter Mandelson was in the region last month to attend a meeting of Southern African Development Community (SADC) trade ministers. Mathabo le Roux quizzed him about the economic partnership agreements (EPA).
Mathabo le Roux, Business Day / AllAfrica.com, 8 April 2008
European Union (EU) trade commissioner Peter Mandelson was in the region last month to attend a meeting of Southern African Development Community (SADC) trade ministers. Mathabo le Roux quizzed him about the economic partnership agreements (EPA).
* SA envoy ‘sets record straight’ on economic agreements
Botswana Press Agency / tralac, 31 March 2008
According to Mr Dikgang Moopeloa, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Botswana, the short-term benefits of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) should not hinder long term prosperity and integration in the SADC (Southern African Development Community) region. Moopeloa spoke at a media briefing to “set the record straight on South Africa’s position regarding the EPAs”.
The South African envoy dispelled ‘misleading articles’ which have been circulating the media on why the country has not initialled the trade agreements. SA’s foreign policy is based on its domestic policy which makes regional integration a priority, he said.
Botswana Press Agency / tralac, 31 March 2008
According to Mr Dikgang Moopeloa, South Africa’s High Commissioner to Botswana, the short-term benefits of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) should not hinder long term prosperity and integration in the SADC (Southern African Development Community) region. Moopeloa spoke at a media briefing to “set the record straight on South Africa’s position regarding the EPAs”.
The South African envoy dispelled ‘misleading articles’ which have been circulating the media on why the country has not initialled the trade agreements. SA’s foreign policy is based on its domestic policy which makes regional integration a priority, he said.
** Pacific **
* Pacific trade ministers slam EU Trade Commissioner Mandelson
Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) / bilaterals.org, 18 April 2008
Pacific trade ministers have slammed the European Union’s approach to negotiating a new trade deal with the Pacific island countries as divisive, harsh and unnecessarily domineering. A resolution passed at a meeting of Pacific Island trade ministers and officials from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat last month pointed out the “harsh and unnecessarily domineering attitude” of the European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson when Pacific trade ministers met with him to discuss negotiations for a new Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in late 2007.
The anger of the Pacific Island trade ministers is highlighted in letters between the Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilkie Rasmussen, and the EU’s top trade official, Trade Commissioner Mandelson.
-> see letters exchanged between Peter Mandelson and Wilkie Rasmussen, published by PANG
Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) / bilaterals.org, 18 April 2008
Pacific trade ministers have slammed the European Union’s approach to negotiating a new trade deal with the Pacific island countries as divisive, harsh and unnecessarily domineering. A resolution passed at a meeting of Pacific Island trade ministers and officials from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat last month pointed out the “harsh and unnecessarily domineering attitude” of the European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson when Pacific trade ministers met with him to discuss negotiations for a new Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in late 2007.
The anger of the Pacific Island trade ministers is highlighted in letters between the Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilkie Rasmussen, and the EU’s top trade official, Trade Commissioner Mandelson.
-> see letters exchanged between Peter Mandelson and Wilkie Rasmussen, published by PANG
* Media Statement issued by the Chair of the PACP Trade Ministers Meeting, Hon. Hans Joachim Keil
Published in EPA Flash News issued by the Directorate General for Trade, European Commission on 31 March 2008
Pacific ACP Trade Ministers met in Nadi, Fiji from 27 – 28 March 2008. The objective of the meeting is to consider recent developments in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and to give directions to the Regional Negotiating Machinery on the Way Forward in concluding a comprehensive EPA Negotiations with the EC.
Published in EPA Flash News issued by the Directorate General for Trade, European Commission on 31 March 2008
Pacific ACP Trade Ministers met in Nadi, Fiji from 27 – 28 March 2008. The objective of the meeting is to consider recent developments in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and to give directions to the Regional Negotiating Machinery on the Way Forward in concluding a comprehensive EPA Negotiations with the EC.
* Trade ministers band together
The Fiji Times Online, 29 March 2008
The Pacific ACP Trade Ministers from the region have agreed to proceed as a group with negotiations of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the European Commission by the end of the year.
The collective commitment for the region to proceed as a group was reached after the two-day meeting in Nadi this week.
The Fiji Times Online, 29 March 2008
The Pacific ACP Trade Ministers from the region have agreed to proceed as a group with negotiations of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the European Commission by the end of the year.
The collective commitment for the region to proceed as a group was reached after the two-day meeting in Nadi this week.
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IV. Selection from the acp-eu-trade.org Library
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* CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement : An Overview
Information paper by DG Trade, European Commission, 18 April 2008
This paper gives an overview of the content of the agreement, outlining the provisions with respect to various subject areas.
Information paper by DG Trade, European Commission, 18 April 2008
This paper gives an overview of the content of the agreement, outlining the provisions with respect to various subject areas.
* The changing context of ACP-EU agricultural trade relations: developing a response
Background paper No. 1 to the conference "Dialogue on Challenges of Changing Agricultural Markets in the context of ACP-EU Trade: Identifying an Aid for Trade Agenda", organised by CTA and ECDPM, Brussels, 14-15 April 2008 (à see also V. Resources from Recent Events)
This paper reviews the impact on the ACP of EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, the evolution of the EU market, the potential implications of EU bilateral free trade agreement negotiations, the potential implications of multilateral negotiations and the EPA challenges, before briefly looking at ways of responding to these challenges.
ENFR
Background paper No. 1 to the conference "Dialogue on Challenges of Changing Agricultural Markets in the context of ACP-EU Trade: Identifying an Aid for Trade Agenda", organised by CTA and ECDPM, Brussels, 14-15 April 2008 (à see also V. Resources from Recent Events)
This paper reviews the impact on the ACP of EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, the evolution of the EU market, the potential implications of EU bilateral free trade agreement negotiations, the potential implications of multilateral negotiations and the EPA challenges, before briefly looking at ways of responding to these challenges.
ENFR
* Interim Economic Partnership Agreements: Questions and Answers
European Commission, 27 March 2008
- Why were Interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) proposed?
- What do the interim EPAs contain?
- Why are there differences between the different interim EPAs?
- What do they have in common?
- How do they affect regional integration?
- Should we renegotiate the Interim EPAs?
- Why do some ACP countries liberalise further than others?
- How are ACP producers protected?
- Can the market access arrangements be changed?
- How will new Rules of Origin improve access to EU Markets?
- Why do you need detailed safeguards in the interim EPAs?
- Are there any alternatives to EPAs?
European Commission, 27 March 2008
- Why were Interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) proposed?
- What do the interim EPAs contain?
- Why are there differences between the different interim EPAs?
- What do they have in common?
- How do they affect regional integration?
- Should we renegotiate the Interim EPAs?
- Why do some ACP countries liberalise further than others?
- How are ACP producers protected?
- Can the market access arrangements be changed?
- How will new Rules of Origin improve access to EU Markets?
- Why do you need detailed safeguards in the interim EPAs?
- Are there any alternatives to EPAs?
* EU Free Trade Agreements Manual
Eight briefings on the European Union’s approach to Free Trade Agreements
Published jointly by ActionAid, Christian Aid, and Oxfam, March 2008
These briefings aim to explain EU policies, procedures and practices to those interested in supporting developing countries. They are not intended to endorse any particular policy or position, rather to inform decisions and provide the means to better defend them.
Briefing 1: Tackling EU Free Trade Agreements
Briefing 2: Inside European Union Trade Policy
Briefing 3: Market Access for Goods
Briefing 4: Services
Briefing 5: Investment
Briefing 6: Competition
Briefing 7: Government procurement
Briefing 8: Intellectual property
Eight briefings on the European Union’s approach to Free Trade Agreements
Published jointly by ActionAid, Christian Aid, and Oxfam, March 2008
These briefings aim to explain EU policies, procedures and practices to those interested in supporting developing countries. They are not intended to endorse any particular policy or position, rather to inform decisions and provide the means to better defend them.
Briefing 1: Tackling EU Free Trade Agreements
Briefing 2: Inside European Union Trade Policy
Briefing 3: Market Access for Goods
Briefing 4: Services
Briefing 5: Investment
Briefing 6: Competition
Briefing 7: Government procurement
Briefing 8: Intellectual property
* Duty-free, quota-free access: What is it worth?
Christopher Stevens, Mareike Meyn and Jane Kennan, Project Briefing No. 10, Overseas Development Institute (ODI), March 2008
At the end of 2007, 35 ACP states signed interim EPAs under which the EU will remove all tariffs and quotas on its ACP imports, an initiative known as duty-free and quota-free access (DFQF). This Project Briefing asks what would fully implemented DFQF be worth to ACP members and what might it mean for Europe’s other import suppliers, consumers and domestic producers of competing goods?
Christopher Stevens, Mareike Meyn and Jane Kennan, Project Briefing No. 10, Overseas Development Institute (ODI), March 2008
At the end of 2007, 35 ACP states signed interim EPAs under which the EU will remove all tariffs and quotas on its ACP imports, an initiative known as duty-free and quota-free access (DFQF). This Project Briefing asks what would fully implemented DFQF be worth to ACP members and what might it mean for Europe’s other import suppliers, consumers and domestic producers of competing goods?
* On the importance of Monitoring Economic Partnership Agreements: Principles and concrete steps for the negotiations and beyond
European Centre for Development Policy Management, March 2008
To ensure that the development dimension of EPAs is fulfilled, it is of prime importance to closely monitor the implementation of the new partnership agreements. Many actors in the ACP and EU have suggested setting up an EPA monitoring mechanism, with the aim of assessing progress in EPA implementation relative to the goals set out in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. In light of criticism that the EPAs may not be properly implemented and may actually contribute to the further economic marginalisation of ACP states, a sound and transparent monitoring process could play a role in keeping the EPAs focused on their ultimate objective (i.e. development, and not just trade).
ENFR
European Centre for Development Policy Management, March 2008
To ensure that the development dimension of EPAs is fulfilled, it is of prime importance to closely monitor the implementation of the new partnership agreements. Many actors in the ACP and EU have suggested setting up an EPA monitoring mechanism, with the aim of assessing progress in EPA implementation relative to the goals set out in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. In light of criticism that the EPAs may not be properly implemented and may actually contribute to the further economic marginalisation of ACP states, a sound and transparent monitoring process could play a role in keeping the EPAs focused on their ultimate objective (i.e. development, and not just trade).
ENFR
* Market Access for Trade in Goods in Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)
South Centre, Fact Sheet N°7, February 2008
This Fact Sheet Nb.7 overviews market access provisions related to the liberalisation of merchandise trade under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) that were initialed in the end of 2007 between the EU and 35 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP).
ENFR
South Centre, Fact Sheet N°7, February 2008
This Fact Sheet Nb.7 overviews market access provisions related to the liberalisation of merchandise trade under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) that were initialed in the end of 2007 between the EU and 35 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP).
ENFR
* EPA Negotiations: State of Play and Strategic Considerations for the Way Forward
South Centre, February 2008
This Analytical Note describes the process that led to the conclusion, in the last hours of 2007, of interim EPAs between the EU and 20 ACP countries as well as of a comprehensive EPA with the 15 CARIFORUM states. It overviews the contents of these agreements and comments on some elements related to their consistency with WTO rules. On each topic, the note highlights the developmental implications of the texts that have been initialled. Finally, it overviews some of the main challenges that ACP governments face now in the EPA negotiations and provides suggestions regarding strategic options for the way forward.
ENFR
South Centre, February 2008
This Analytical Note describes the process that led to the conclusion, in the last hours of 2007, of interim EPAs between the EU and 20 ACP countries as well as of a comprehensive EPA with the 15 CARIFORUM states. It overviews the contents of these agreements and comments on some elements related to their consistency with WTO rules. On each topic, the note highlights the developmental implications of the texts that have been initialled. Finally, it overviews some of the main challenges that ACP governments face now in the EPA negotiations and provides suggestions regarding strategic options for the way forward.
ENFR
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V. Resources from Recent Events
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* Event: Half-day information session on the Economic partnership Agreements, European Parliament, Brussels
Date: 17 April 2008
This meeting jointly organised by the European Commission and the European Parliament was opened by Commissioner Mandelson. Sources on the Development Committee of the European Parliament indicate that all the speakers selected are all pro-EPA and though the Committee proposed others and has been invited, MEPs will not attend in protest.
Resources:
-> Agenda
-> Remarks by Peter Mandelson
Date: 17 April 2008
This meeting jointly organised by the European Commission and the European Parliament was opened by Commissioner Mandelson. Sources on the Development Committee of the European Parliament indicate that all the speakers selected are all pro-EPA and though the Committee proposed others and has been invited, MEPs will not attend in protest.
Resources:
-> Agenda
-> Remarks by Peter Mandelson
* Event: EPAs: What has been agreed so far? What is on the table for development? Implications and way forward, Brussels
Date: 17 April 2008
ECDPM, ODI and Aprodev organised a one-day stocktaking session on the interim and full EPAs and a discussion on its development content and ways forward. In the morning, they analysed what was signed up to in terms of market access and its implications for the future. In the afternoon, they looked at services and investment and the options to reach development objectives, ending with a discussion on ways forward.
Resources:
-> Final agenda: EPAs: What has been agreed so far? What is on the table for development?
-> Presentation by Christopher Stevens, Mareike Meyn and Jane Kennan: Comparative analysis of liberalisation schedules and other commitments of the African interim EPAs
-> Presentation by San Bilal: The dynamics of EPA negotiations and possible way forwards
Date: 17 April 2008
ECDPM, ODI and Aprodev organised a one-day stocktaking session on the interim and full EPAs and a discussion on its development content and ways forward. In the morning, they analysed what was signed up to in terms of market access and its implications for the future. In the afternoon, they looked at services and investment and the options to reach development objectives, ending with a discussion on ways forward.
Resources:
-> Final agenda: EPAs: What has been agreed so far? What is on the table for development?
-> Presentation by Christopher Stevens, Mareike Meyn and Jane Kennan: Comparative analysis of liberalisation schedules and other commitments of the African interim EPAs
-> Presentation by San Bilal: The dynamics of EPA negotiations and possible way forwards
* Event: CTA Brussels Briefing: Does Fair Trade contribute to sustainable development?
Date: 16 April 2008
On 16 April 2008, CTA and other partners - in collaboration with the Fair Trade Advocacy Office in Brussels - organised the fifth ‘Brussels Development Briefing’ - part of a series of discussion meetings on key issues and challenges for rural development in the context of EU/ACP cooperation.
Resources:
-> Information on the Brussels Briefings website
Date: 16 April 2008
On 16 April 2008, CTA and other partners - in collaboration with the Fair Trade Advocacy Office in Brussels - organised the fifth ‘Brussels Development Briefing’ - part of a series of discussion meetings on key issues and challenges for rural development in the context of EU/ACP cooperation.
Resources:
-> Information on the Brussels Briefings website
* Event: Dialogue on Challenges of Changing Agricultural Markets in the context of ACP-EU Trade: Identifying an Aid for Trade Agenda, Brussels
Date: 14-15 April 2008
CTA and ECDPM organised a two day dialogue meeting in order to reflect on how to operationalise Aid for Trade support to in the agricultural sector in ACP countries. Participants drew lessons from existing experiences in the ACP and the EU in supporting restructuring in the agricultural and food product sector in the context of the market changes which are taking place in the EU.
Resources:
-> Agenda ENFR
-> Conference webpage, including background papers and presentations
Date: 14-15 April 2008
CTA and ECDPM organised a two day dialogue meeting in order to reflect on how to operationalise Aid for Trade support to in the agricultural sector in ACP countries. Participants drew lessons from existing experiences in the ACP and the EU in supporting restructuring in the agricultural and food product sector in the context of the market changes which are taking place in the EU.
Resources:
-> Agenda ENFR
-> Conference webpage, including background papers and presentations
* Event: Week of strategy and action against European FTAs, Brussels, Amsterdam, The Hague, London, Berlin, Madrid and Dublin
Date: 6 – 10 April 2008
Several events were coordinated by the Seattle to Brussels (S2B) Network of NGOs.
Resources:
-> Background Note
-> Website of the Seattle to Brussels (S2B) Network
Date: 6 – 10 April 2008
Several events were coordinated by the Seattle to Brussels (S2B) Network of NGOs.
Resources:
-> Background Note
-> Website of the Seattle to Brussels (S2B) Network
*Event: EPAs: The Way Forward for the ACP, High Level Technical Meeting, Organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the ACP Secretariat, Cape Town
Date: 7-8 April 2008
In response to requests from a number of ACP States, a ‘High Level Technical Meeting on Economic Partnership Agreements: The Way Forward’ was facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the ACP Secretariat. The objective of the meeting was to undertake a comprehensive stock taking of EPAs that have been concluded in order to provide countries with an objective and accurate assessment of the content, character and implications of the various agreements that will help guide and inform their policy choices.
Resources:
-> Draft agenda
-> Outcomes of the meeting
-> Summary of the meeting, Commonwealth Secretariat
Date: 7-8 April 2008
In response to requests from a number of ACP States, a ‘High Level Technical Meeting on Economic Partnership Agreements: The Way Forward’ was facilitated by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the ACP Secretariat. The objective of the meeting was to undertake a comprehensive stock taking of EPAs that have been concluded in order to provide countries with an objective and accurate assessment of the content, character and implications of the various agreements that will help guide and inform their policy choices.
Resources:
-> Draft agenda
-> Outcomes of the meeting
-> Summary of the meeting, Commonwealth Secretariat
* Event: African Union Ministers of Trade and Finance Meeting
Date: 1-3 April 2008
Resources:
-> Addis Ababa Declaration on EPA Negotiations [Paragraph 5 of the declaration outlines a number of “contentious issues in the interim agreements” to be addressed in the negotiations towards comprehensive EPAs.]
Date: 1-3 April 2008
Resources:
-> Addis Ababa Declaration on EPA Negotiations [Paragraph 5 of the declaration outlines a number of “contentious issues in the interim agreements” to be addressed in the negotiations towards comprehensive EPAs.]
* Event: What is Europe Offering Africa? The pros and cons of EPAs, London
Date: 2 April 2008
Meeting organised b
Date: 2 April 2008
Meeting organised b
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