[CULP] The acp-eu-trade.org newsletter -- No.19/June 2008
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The acp-eu-trade.org newsletter -- No. 19/June 2008
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The acp-eu-trade.org newsletter -- No. 19/June 2008
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In
this issue:
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I. Trade Negotiations Insights Vol.7, No.5
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II. News: Highlights
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III. Selection from the acp-eu-trade.org Library
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IV. Resources from Recent Events
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V. Resources on Upcoming Events
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Dear readers,
Welcome to the June 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.
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
• 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: Corinna Braun-Munzinger (c...@ecdpm.org) and Nicolas Mombrial (n...@ecdpm.org)
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I. Trade Negotiations Insights Vol.7, No.5, June 2008
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I. Trade Negotiations Insights Vol.7, No.5, June 2008
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The
June 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
Trade
Negotiations Insights, Vol. 7, No. 5, June 2008
• Glass half empty or half full? The move towards a comprehensive EPA
• Aid for Trade in the agricultural sector: reflections on a fruitful dialogue
• Aid for Trade: key issues in the ACP agricultural sector
• Trade and innovation in the EPAs: another step towards re-framing TRIPS
• Rules of origin for fish in interim EPAs
• In focus: Understanding Kenya: post-election crisis, land and the interim EPA
• Monitoring and evaluating the EPA in Mauritius: setting up mechanisms
• WTO Roundup
• EPA Negotiations Update
• Calendar and resources
• Glass half empty or half full? The move towards a comprehensive EPA
• Aid for Trade in the agricultural sector: reflections on a fruitful dialogue
• Aid for Trade: key issues in the ACP agricultural sector
• Trade and innovation in the EPAs: another step towards re-framing TRIPS
• Rules of origin for fish in interim EPAs
• In focus: Understanding Kenya: post-election crisis, land and the interim EPA
• Monitoring and evaluating the EPA in Mauritius: setting up mechanisms
• WTO Roundup
• EPA Negotiations Update
• Calendar and resources
Eclairage sur les Négociations, Vol.7, No.5, Juin 2008
• Un verre à moitié plein ou à moitié vide ? Vers un APE complet
• Aide pour le commerce dans le secteur agricole : réflexions sur un dialogue fructueux
• Aide pour le commerce : questions clés dans le secteur agricole des ACP
• Commerce et innovation dans les APE : une autre avancée vers la reformulation des ADPIC
• Règles d’origine pour la pêche dans les APE intérimaires
• Focus: Comprendre le Kenya : la crise postélectorale, la terre et l’APE intérimaire
• Surveillance et évaluation de l’APE de Maurice : mise en place des mécanismes
• Aperçu sur l’OMC
• Le point sur les APE
• Calendrier et publications
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II. News: Highlights
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From our own resources:
II. News: Highlights
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From our own resources:
* June 2008: The European Commission is now publishing the dates of next
EPA negotiation rounds in different regions on the DG Trade website at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/bilateral/regions/acp/epa_calendar_en.htm
* Un atelier de validation de l'étude sur la finalisation du TEC (étude
réalisée par le West
African Trade Hub d'Accra) a eu lieu à Abuja du 11 au 13 juin 2008.
African Trade Hub d'Accra) a eu lieu à Abuja du 11 au 13 juin 2008.
From ACP and EU news providers:
** All-ACP
**
* Region uniting for trade talks
Rickey Singh, Nationnews.com, 25 June 2008
ACP sugar exporting countries have blended pledged cooperation with a strong warning to the WTO over required consensus for "trade as a genuine development tool" for disadvantaged economies of the developing nations […] "In our view, all WTO members have a shared responsibility to ensure that trade is treated as a genuine development tool. Failing that, the ACP's Consultative Group will find it extremely difficult to join a consensus in the current Doha Development Agenda . . . ." Ambassador Gomes was at the time addressing the 11th European Sugar Conference in Brussels.
* ACP, EU
Address Regional Integration, EPAs Sugar, Bananas
ICTSD, Bridges Weekly, Volume 12, Number 22, 18 June 2008
Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the 87th summit of the ACP Council of Ministers from 9-11 June, officials from 79 ACP states laid out their stances on several controversial issues, including economic integration with the EU and their preconditions for approving a trade deal at the WTO.
That summit was immediately followed by a gathering of ministers from both the ACP and the EU, which met from 12-13 June, also in the Ethiopian capital. The meeting resulted in the passage of a joint resolution on food prices, EPAs, and regional integration, among other issues. In its resolution, the Council expressed its "commitment to make every effort to ensure that all regions conclude WTO compatible full EPAs, within agreed timeframes and with due regard for ACP political choices, development priorities and administrative capacities in order to release their entire development potential." In addition, the Council underlined the need for putting EPAs and interim agreements into provisional application after signature, pending ratification.
-> The resolution can be found at http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/misc/101282.pdf
-> see also: *Ministerial session raises profile of ACP, EU relations, Afriquenligne, 13 June 2008
http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/africa-news/ministerial-session-raises-profile-of-acp,-eu-relations-200806136624.html
à see also Resources from Recent Events
ICTSD, Bridges Weekly, Volume 12, Number 22, 18 June 2008
Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the 87th summit of the ACP Council of Ministers from 9-11 June, officials from 79 ACP states laid out their stances on several controversial issues, including economic integration with the EU and their preconditions for approving a trade deal at the WTO.
That summit was immediately followed by a gathering of ministers from both the ACP and the EU, which met from 12-13 June, also in the Ethiopian capital. The meeting resulted in the passage of a joint resolution on food prices, EPAs, and regional integration, among other issues. In its resolution, the Council expressed its "commitment to make every effort to ensure that all regions conclude WTO compatible full EPAs, within agreed timeframes and with due regard for ACP political choices, development priorities and administrative capacities in order to release their entire development potential." In addition, the Council underlined the need for putting EPAs and interim agreements into provisional application after signature, pending ratification.
-> The resolution can be found at http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/misc/101282.pdf
-> see also: *Ministerial session raises profile of ACP, EU relations, Afriquenligne, 13 June 2008
http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/africa-news/ministerial-session-raises-profile-of-acp,-eu-relations-200806136624.html
à see also Resources from Recent Events
* Africa: Some
Interim EPAs May Not Be Concluded
Hilaire Avril, Inter Press Service, 18 June 2008
Some of the 35 ACP states that have initialled interim IEPAs may still withdraw from the process - apart from the 44 states that have so far refused to sign EPAs with the EU, according to researchers studying the fraught trade negotiating process. “There is certainly the possibility that some countries which have initialled IEPAs may not go on to sign them, although we expect most to do so," says Dr. Christopher Stevens, director of programmes at the Overseas Development Institute's (ODI) international economic development group and co-author of a recent report on the EPAs.
Hilaire Avril, Inter Press Service, 18 June 2008
Some of the 35 ACP states that have initialled interim IEPAs may still withdraw from the process - apart from the 44 states that have so far refused to sign EPAs with the EU, according to researchers studying the fraught trade negotiating process. “There is certainly the possibility that some countries which have initialled IEPAs may not go on to sign them, although we expect most to do so," says Dr. Christopher Stevens, director of programmes at the Overseas Development Institute's (ODI) international economic development group and co-author of a recent report on the EPAs.
*
Agriculture : Charles Michel fera-t-il pencher la balance
?
Oxfam solidarité, 29 Mai 2008
Après 2 ans de campagne, les ONG belges ont présenté au Ministre Charles Michel plus de 80.000 signatures dénonçant les Accords de Partenariat Economique (APE) et réclamant l’application du principe de souveraineté alimentaire.
** Caribbean **
Oxfam solidarité, 29 Mai 2008
Après 2 ans de campagne, les ONG belges ont présenté au Ministre Charles Michel plus de 80.000 signatures dénonçant les Accords de Partenariat Economique (APE) et réclamant l’application du principe de souveraineté alimentaire.
** Caribbean **
*
Jagdeo doubts Guyana would ink EU deal next
week
Stabroeknews, 27 June 2008
President Bharrat Jagdeo doubts whether Guyana would affix its signature to the EPA between the EU and the Cariforum countries when the Caricom Heads of Government meet in Antigua and Barbuda next week. Speaking with the media at a press conference, Jagdeo said that he expects there would be a healthy debate on whether the region is prepared to sign the agreement. “I doubt whether next week we are going to sign any agreement in Antigua and Barbuda on the EPA,” he said, adding that “I doubt whether Guyana would affix its signature at that stage to the agreement.” Jagdeo said that he feels that as the EU has taken several years to ratify some agreements that they had signed or had initialled, a precedent has been set. The ACP group of countries could also take several years to ratify the agreements without facing the consequences of punitive measures. “The legal opinions vary. I have a wait and see approach” he said.
Stabroeknews, 27 June 2008
President Bharrat Jagdeo doubts whether Guyana would affix its signature to the EPA between the EU and the Cariforum countries when the Caricom Heads of Government meet in Antigua and Barbuda next week. Speaking with the media at a press conference, Jagdeo said that he expects there would be a healthy debate on whether the region is prepared to sign the agreement. “I doubt whether next week we are going to sign any agreement in Antigua and Barbuda on the EPA,” he said, adding that “I doubt whether Guyana would affix its signature at that stage to the agreement.” Jagdeo said that he feels that as the EU has taken several years to ratify some agreements that they had signed or had initialled, a precedent has been set. The ACP group of countries could also take several years to ratify the agreements without facing the consequences of punitive measures. “The legal opinions vary. I have a wait and see approach” he said.
*Jamaica
to sign EPA with Europe
Radiojamaica.com, 24 June 2008
Prime Minister Bruce Golding has announced that Jamaica is to sign the EPA with Europe on July 15th. But even as the country prepares to join the treaty, Mr. Golding said the signing could be called off if there is wide scale opposition. He warned opponents to the EPA that this will have negative implications for Jamaica. “Now EPA is not a perfect agreement. We are going to be having a debate on it in parliament shortly and we are expecting to sign that agreement on the 15th of July. It is not a perfect agreement but I think under the circumstances it is a good agreement and as I tell the critics we didn't have to sign it and we still don't have to sign it," "If you feel that it is not good for us then make a case because we can always say to the Europeans...it doesn't suit us so we won't be there but when you do that understand that every item you send to Europe is going to attract duties. If we can deal with that then fine," he said.
Radiojamaica.com, 24 June 2008
Prime Minister Bruce Golding has announced that Jamaica is to sign the EPA with Europe on July 15th. But even as the country prepares to join the treaty, Mr. Golding said the signing could be called off if there is wide scale opposition. He warned opponents to the EPA that this will have negative implications for Jamaica. “Now EPA is not a perfect agreement. We are going to be having a debate on it in parliament shortly and we are expecting to sign that agreement on the 15th of July. It is not a perfect agreement but I think under the circumstances it is a good agreement and as I tell the critics we didn't have to sign it and we still don't have to sign it," "If you feel that it is not good for us then make a case because we can always say to the Europeans...it doesn't suit us so we won't be there but when you do that understand that every item you send to Europe is going to attract duties. If we can deal with that then fine," he said.
*Caribbean
Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non Governmental Organisations calls
for EPA re-negotiation
Ariti Jankie South Bureau, Trinidad express, 09 June 2008
Calling for a re-negotiation of a new EPAs, Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non Governmental Organisations president David Abdulah says aspects of the agreement could prove to be harmful to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Speaking at a press conference at the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU), he said Caribbean heads of government would be asked to renegotiate the EPA following a two-day workshop where the matter would be discussed in detail. He said Caribbean heads of government had also expressed dissatisfaction.
Ariti Jankie South Bureau, Trinidad express, 09 June 2008
Calling for a re-negotiation of a new EPAs, Federation of Independent Trade Unions and Non Governmental Organisations president David Abdulah says aspects of the agreement could prove to be harmful to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. Speaking at a press conference at the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU), he said Caribbean heads of government would be asked to renegotiate the EPA following a two-day workshop where the matter would be discussed in detail. He said Caribbean heads of government had also expressed dissatisfaction.
*
Saith: EPAs will bring benefits
Trinidadexpress, 9 June 2008
Minister of Trade Lenny Saith says the signing of the controversial EPA with the EU is a necessary step towards Trinidad and Tobago's development on the trade and industry frontier. While speaking at a forum on the EPA hosted by his Ministry, Saith said if the country is to truly become a spring board for "business, trade and transportation in the Americas, the conclusion of the EPA represent an important milestone in trade policy".
Trinidadexpress, 9 June 2008
Minister of Trade Lenny Saith says the signing of the controversial EPA with the EU is a necessary step towards Trinidad and Tobago's development on the trade and industry frontier. While speaking at a forum on the EPA hosted by his Ministry, Saith said if the country is to truly become a spring board for "business, trade and transportation in the Americas, the conclusion of the EPA represent an important milestone in trade policy".
*
CARIBBEAN-SUGAR-Regional sugar producers support EPA
agreement
Caribbean Media Corporation / European Commission, 3 June 2008
Caribbean sugar producers have welcomed the recently negotiated EPA between the EU and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries, saying it provides an opportunity for increased access into the European market.
Caribbean Media Corporation / European Commission, 3 June 2008
Caribbean sugar producers have welcomed the recently negotiated EPA between the EU and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries, saying it provides an opportunity for increased access into the European market.
** West Africa
**
* Up-date on EU-West Africa EPA negotiations
EPA Flash News, Directorate General for Trade, European Commission, 25 June 2008
Technical and Senior Official EPA negotiation meetings between the EC and West Africa took place in Abuja (ECOWAS Commission building) on 17-19 and 20 June. The meetings were very constructive and allowed the Parties to progress well on several aspects of the negotiation.
*
ECOWAS leaders call for development of regional
infrastructure
afriqueenligne.fr, 24 June 2008
The 34th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government was held on 23rd June The Authority stressed that the establishment of a Customs Union is a prerequisite for effective engagement of the EU, including on the ongoing negotiation of the ECOWAS/EU Economic Partnership Agreement. It directed the ECOWAS Commission to expedite action on the introduction of a region-wide Common External Tariff (CET) and take all necessary measures to conclude a fair, balanced and development-oriented EPA that takes cognizance of the concerns of West Africa. In this regard, regional leaders called for the strengthening of the integration process with the creation of a common market, the free movement of persons and the interconnection of infrastructure so that the EPA would become a tool for poverty reduction and development.
afriqueenligne.fr, 24 June 2008
The 34th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government was held on 23rd June The Authority stressed that the establishment of a Customs Union is a prerequisite for effective engagement of the EU, including on the ongoing negotiation of the ECOWAS/EU Economic Partnership Agreement. It directed the ECOWAS Commission to expedite action on the introduction of a region-wide Common External Tariff (CET) and take all necessary measures to conclude a fair, balanced and development-oriented EPA that takes cognizance of the concerns of West Africa. In this regard, regional leaders called for the strengthening of the integration process with the creation of a common market, the free movement of persons and the interconnection of infrastructure so that the EPA would become a tool for poverty reduction and development.
* Côte
d'Ivoire: Le gouvernement ivoirien va signer le 30 juin un accord d'étape avec
l'Union européenne dans le cadre des négociations sur les nouveaux APE afin de
"préserver ses exportations"
Investirenzonefranc, 2 juin 2008
La Côte d'Ivoire va signer le 30 juin un accord d'étape avec l’UE dans le cadre des négociations sur les nouveaux APE afin de "préserver ses exportations", a-t-on appris lundi de source officielle à Abidjan. "Nous nous sommes engagés à signer. Le gouvernement ivoirien travaille à le faire au plus tard le 30 juin", a indiqué à l'AFP le ministre ivoirien de l'Intégration africaine, Amadou Koné. La Cédéao s'est fixée jusqu'au mois de juin 2009 pour signer l'accord complet qui va porter sur les marchandises, les biens et les services. "La Cédéao est en train de travailler pour finaliser un accord régional en juin 2009", a affirmé M. Koné, de retour du Mali où il a présenté "l'expérience ivoirienne".
Investirenzonefranc, 2 juin 2008
La Côte d'Ivoire va signer le 30 juin un accord d'étape avec l’UE dans le cadre des négociations sur les nouveaux APE afin de "préserver ses exportations", a-t-on appris lundi de source officielle à Abidjan. "Nous nous sommes engagés à signer. Le gouvernement ivoirien travaille à le faire au plus tard le 30 juin", a indiqué à l'AFP le ministre ivoirien de l'Intégration africaine, Amadou Koné. La Cédéao s'est fixée jusqu'au mois de juin 2009 pour signer l'accord complet qui va porter sur les marchandises, les biens et les services. "La Cédéao est en train de travailler pour finaliser un accord régional en juin 2009", a affirmé M. Koné, de retour du Mali où il a présenté "l'expérience ivoirienne".
*Mise
en application de l'Ape : La Dpee préconise une libéralisation le plus linéaire
possible
Walf Fadjri, June 2008
Les pays ACP devraient signer avec l’Union européenne des APE en 2009. La Direction de la prévention et des études économiques (Dpee) prévoit dans ce sens une libéralisation linéaire pour en amoindrir les dégâts. […] Les trois scenarii présentés reposent sur les hypothèses respectives d’une libéralisation concentrée sur les premières années, d’une libéralisation uniforme ou linéaire, et d’une libéralisation concentrée sur les premières années. Selon la Dpee, les pertes des recettes fiscales semblent atteindre leur minimum dans le cas du démantèlement uniforme.
Walf Fadjri, June 2008
Les pays ACP devraient signer avec l’Union européenne des APE en 2009. La Direction de la prévention et des études économiques (Dpee) prévoit dans ce sens une libéralisation linéaire pour en amoindrir les dégâts. […] Les trois scenarii présentés reposent sur les hypothèses respectives d’une libéralisation concentrée sur les premières années, d’une libéralisation uniforme ou linéaire, et d’une libéralisation concentrée sur les premières années. Selon la Dpee, les pertes des recettes fiscales semblent atteindre leur minimum dans le cas du démantèlement uniforme.
** Central Africa
**
*
La Cemac adopte des résolutions visant à renforcer
l'intégration
french.xinhuanet.com, 25 Juin 2008
La Communauté économique et monétaire de l'Afrique centrale (Cemac) a annoncé des résolutions visant au renforcement de l'intégration sous-régionale à l'issue de son 9e sommet tenu le 24 et 25 Juin à Yaoundé. Les gouvernements des pays membres de la CEMAC sont invités à envoyer leurs représentants à Bangui, le siège de la CEMAC, et à mettre en place au sein de leurs gouvernements une structure chargée de l'intégration régionale, selon le communiqué final. Au sujet des APE avec l'Union européenne, les dirigeants ont instruit la commission de la CEMAC de poursuivre les négociations pour décider un délai pour un accord régionale complet.
à lire également: *Trois dossiers attendent le 9e sommet des chefs d'Etats de la Cemac, french.xinhuanet.com, 22 Juin 2008
french.xinhuanet.com, 25 Juin 2008
La Communauté économique et monétaire de l'Afrique centrale (Cemac) a annoncé des résolutions visant au renforcement de l'intégration sous-régionale à l'issue de son 9e sommet tenu le 24 et 25 Juin à Yaoundé. Les gouvernements des pays membres de la CEMAC sont invités à envoyer leurs représentants à Bangui, le siège de la CEMAC, et à mettre en place au sein de leurs gouvernements une structure chargée de l'intégration régionale, selon le communiqué final. Au sujet des APE avec l'Union européenne, les dirigeants ont instruit la commission de la CEMAC de poursuivre les négociations pour décider un délai pour un accord régionale complet.
à lire également: *Trois dossiers attendent le 9e sommet des chefs d'Etats de la Cemac, french.xinhuanet.com, 22 Juin 2008
*Le
Président du groupe de la banque africaine de développement lance un vibrant
appel pour une intégration régionale renforcée
YAOUNDE, Cameroun, June 26, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)
Le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, M. Donald Kaberuka, a participé au 9ème Sommet des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement de C.E.M.A.C. Dans le cadre de son allocution, il a lancé un vibrant appel pour une intégration régionale plus renforcée. Il a particulièrement insisté sur la nécessité de poursuivre l’édification d’un marché commun au sein de la CEMAC pour une croissance encore plus forte et inclusive et a réaffirmé le soutien de la Banque au processus d’intégration régionale qui demeure une des priorités de sa stratégie d’intervention pour la période 2008-2010 en Afrique.
YAOUNDE, Cameroun, June 26, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)
Le président du Groupe de la Banque africaine de développement, M. Donald Kaberuka, a participé au 9ème Sommet des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement de C.E.M.A.C. Dans le cadre de son allocution, il a lancé un vibrant appel pour une intégration régionale plus renforcée. Il a particulièrement insisté sur la nécessité de poursuivre l’édification d’un marché commun au sein de la CEMAC pour une croissance encore plus forte et inclusive et a réaffirmé le soutien de la Banque au processus d’intégration régionale qui demeure une des priorités de sa stratégie d’intervention pour la période 2008-2010 en Afrique.
** ESA
**
*EAC,
COMESA, SADC joint summit scheduled for September and October to start
negotiations for a grand Free Trade Area
Odhiambo, Allan TRALAC, 12 June 2008
Technocrats from three regional blocs - the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are proposing to hold joint talks to attain Africa's largest common market. A joint summit scheduled for September and October is on the plans to start negotiations for a grand Free Trade Area (FTA). Outgoing Comesa secretary-general Erastus Mwencha, while addressing an extra ordinary council of ministers' meeting in Nairobi last month, said plans for the summit were under way, but fell short of giving a date on when it would take place. According to sources of the Business Daily the summit talks would mainly involve the council of ministers from the respective regional economic communities (RECs) as member countries set their eyes on what would be the continent's largest common market.
* ESA, EU Near Trade Deal
Ndamu Sandu, Zimbabwe Standard / tralac, 6 June 2008
ESA and EU officials meet for the second technical meeting inside two months, from 24-25 June, followed by a senior officials' meeting on 26 June. Last month ESA and EU officials met in Lusaka, Zambia, where ESA presented the various trade provisions it wants discussed in the framework of the full Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs).
Odhiambo, Allan TRALAC, 12 June 2008
Technocrats from three regional blocs - the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are proposing to hold joint talks to attain Africa's largest common market. A joint summit scheduled for September and October is on the plans to start negotiations for a grand Free Trade Area (FTA). Outgoing Comesa secretary-general Erastus Mwencha, while addressing an extra ordinary council of ministers' meeting in Nairobi last month, said plans for the summit were under way, but fell short of giving a date on when it would take place. According to sources of the Business Daily the summit talks would mainly involve the council of ministers from the respective regional economic communities (RECs) as member countries set their eyes on what would be the continent's largest common market.
* ESA, EU Near Trade Deal
Ndamu Sandu, Zimbabwe Standard / tralac, 6 June 2008
ESA and EU officials meet for the second technical meeting inside two months, from 24-25 June, followed by a senior officials' meeting on 26 June. Last month ESA and EU officials met in Lusaka, Zambia, where ESA presented the various trade provisions it wants discussed in the framework of the full Economic Partnership Agreement (EPAs).
** SADC
**
*SACU
Council of Ministers to meet in Pretoria
Mmegi Online (Gaborone) 25 June 2008
The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Council of Ministers will meet in Pretoria, South Africa on Friday 26 June. The meeting will, among other things, receive a report of the Executive Secretary which will include a summary of the emerging policy issues following the SACU Regional Integration Task Team meeting which was held in Johannesburg from 2 to 3 June 2008. The meeting of the Task Team considered an issue paper on the implications of the SADC-EPA negotiations on SACU as well as the findings of two SACU studies on regional integration - the Impact Assessment Study on SACU member states (due to 2008 SADC FTA and 2010 SADC Customs Union), and the Study on the Consolidation of SACU. The ministers’ meeting will also receive reports on the SACU-USA Trade, Investment and Development Cooperation Agreement (TIDCA), and the SACU-India Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) negotiations in addition to the recently concluded Task Team meeting.
Mmegi Online (Gaborone) 25 June 2008
The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Council of Ministers will meet in Pretoria, South Africa on Friday 26 June. The meeting will, among other things, receive a report of the Executive Secretary which will include a summary of the emerging policy issues following the SACU Regional Integration Task Team meeting which was held in Johannesburg from 2 to 3 June 2008. The meeting of the Task Team considered an issue paper on the implications of the SADC-EPA negotiations on SACU as well as the findings of two SACU studies on regional integration - the Impact Assessment Study on SACU member states (due to 2008 SADC FTA and 2010 SADC Customs Union), and the Study on the Consolidation of SACU. The ministers’ meeting will also receive reports on the SACU-USA Trade, Investment and Development Cooperation Agreement (TIDCA), and the SACU-India Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) negotiations in addition to the recently concluded Task Team meeting.
*
South Africa-EU Ministerial Troika, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 3 June
2008
Press release, Council of the European Union, 3 June 2008
Within the framework of the South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership, the third
Ministerial Troika was held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 3 June 2008. […] Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue negotiations with a view to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement on a final SADC EPA with the most inclusive membership that addresses the concerns expressed by both sides and supports regional integration, including with respect to SADC and SACU. The EU recalled that the Interim EPA provides for the completion of negotiations of the full EPA by the end of 2008. South Africa noted that it was not a party to the Interim EPA and therefore was not bound by this timeline.
Press release, Council of the European Union, 3 June 2008
Within the framework of the South Africa-European Union Strategic Partnership, the third
Ministerial Troika was held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 3 June 2008. […] Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continue negotiations with a view to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement on a final SADC EPA with the most inclusive membership that addresses the concerns expressed by both sides and supports regional integration, including with respect to SADC and SACU. The EU recalled that the Interim EPA provides for the completion of negotiations of the full EPA by the end of 2008. South Africa noted that it was not a party to the Interim EPA and therefore was not bound by this timeline.
** Pacific **
*
Fiji cabinet approves establishment of food unit for fish and fisheries
product
Pacnews / Islands Business, 18 June 2008
Fiji’s interim cabinet has endorsed the setting up of a new Food Unit that will oversee the food and fish export industries. One of its priority role will be to put Fiji back into the list of countries exporting fish to the European Union (EU).
à see also the regulation removing Fiji from the list of countries from which import of fish may be permitted: *Commission Regulation amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 2076/2005 as regards imports of fishery products from Fiji, Commission Regulation (EC) No 439/2008 of 21 May 2008, Official Journal of the European Union, 22 May 2008
EN FR
Pacnews / Islands Business, 18 June 2008
Fiji’s interim cabinet has endorsed the setting up of a new Food Unit that will oversee the food and fish export industries. One of its priority role will be to put Fiji back into the list of countries exporting fish to the European Union (EU).
à see also the regulation removing Fiji from the list of countries from which import of fish may be permitted: *Commission Regulation amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 2076/2005 as regards imports of fishery products from Fiji, Commission Regulation (EC) No 439/2008 of 21 May 2008, Official Journal of the European Union, 22 May 2008
EN FR
*Sovereignty
or solidarity ? Pacific changes track as Europe wins first round in trade
talks
Samisoni Paretti, Islands business, June 2008
Sovereignty must be partially surrendered if Pacific islands countries are to maintain solidarity in trade negotiations. Pacific countries who are members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific bloc of states had a rude realisation of this basic and age-old truth in their on-going negotiations with the European Commission for an economic partnership agreement.
Samisoni Paretti, Islands business, June 2008
Sovereignty must be partially surrendered if Pacific islands countries are to maintain solidarity in trade negotiations. Pacific countries who are members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific bloc of states had a rude realisation of this basic and age-old truth in their on-going negotiations with the European Commission for an economic partnership agreement.
---
III. Selection from the acp-eu-trade.org Library
---
III. Selection from the acp-eu-trade.org Library
---
*The
future French, Czech and Swedish Presidencies. Draft 18-month programme of the
Council
Council of the European Union, 9 June 2008
This document presents the draft programme for the three European Presidencies to come: France, Czech Republic and Sweden. The chapter on external relations deals with trade "The Union will actively seek to strengthen the capacity of developing countries to take full advantage of the international trading system, notably through an efficient implementation of the EU Aid for Trade Strategy, including a review of progress in 2009. Every effort will be made to contribute to the conclusion of comprehensive EPAs."
Council of the European Union, 9 June 2008
This document presents the draft programme for the three European Presidencies to come: France, Czech Republic and Sweden. The chapter on external relations deals with trade "The Union will actively seek to strengthen the capacity of developing countries to take full advantage of the international trading system, notably through an efficient implementation of the EU Aid for Trade Strategy, including a review of progress in 2009. Every effort will be made to contribute to the conclusion of comprehensive EPAs."
*European Parliament resolution of 5 June 2008 on the work of the
ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in 2007
This resolution includes three paragraphs on EPAs.
EN FR
This resolution includes three paragraphs on EPAs.
EN FR
*Economic
Partnership Agreements and the Export Competitiveness of
Africa
Paul Brenton, Richard Newfarmer, Mombert Hoppe, Policy Research Working Paper, World Bank, May 2008
To be fully effective, EPA will have to address constraints to regional integration, including both tariff and non-tariff barriers; improve trade facilitation; and define appropriate most favoured nation services liberalization. At the same time, African countries will need to reduce external tariff peak barriers on a most favoured nation basis to ensure that when preferences for the European Union are implemented after transitional periods, they do not lead to substantial losses from trade diversion. This entails an ambitious agenda of policy reform that must be backed up by development assistance in the form of "aid for trade."
Paul Brenton, Richard Newfarmer, Mombert Hoppe, Policy Research Working Paper, World Bank, May 2008
To be fully effective, EPA will have to address constraints to regional integration, including both tariff and non-tariff barriers; improve trade facilitation; and define appropriate most favoured nation services liberalization. At the same time, African countries will need to reduce external tariff peak barriers on a most favoured nation basis to ensure that when preferences for the European Union are implemented after transitional periods, they do not lead to substantial losses from trade diversion. This entails an ambitious agenda of policy reform that must be backed up by development assistance in the form of "aid for trade."
*Public
Procurement and the Economic Partnership Agreements: assessing the potential
impact on ACP procurement policies
Stephen Woolcock, Commonwealth Secretariat / LSE, May 2008
(A draft of this paper was presented at the Commonwealth High Level Technical Meeting on EPAs, Cape Town, 7-8 April 2008.)
This paper first describes the nature of rules on government procurement and discusses the distinction between transparency and liberalization. It then sets the broader picture by considering trends in rules on government procurement in other free trade agreements and at the plurilateral level in the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This is followed by a discussion of the likely costs and benefits for the ACP states of adopting rules similar to those adopted in the CARIFORUM-EC EPA text
Stephen Woolcock, Commonwealth Secretariat / LSE, May 2008
(A draft of this paper was presented at the Commonwealth High Level Technical Meeting on EPAs, Cape Town, 7-8 April 2008.)
This paper first describes the nature of rules on government procurement and discusses the distinction between transparency and liberalization. It then sets the broader picture by considering trends in rules on government procurement in other free trade agreements and at the plurilateral level in the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). This is followed by a discussion of the likely costs and benefits for the ACP states of adopting rules similar to those adopted in the CARIFORUM-EC EPA text
*EPAs
and services in 2008 and beyond - What challenges lie ahead for the
ACP?
Paper prepared for the Commonwealth Secretariat by Victor Ogalo, Consumer Unity Trust Society (CUTS) Nairobi Resource Centre and Gideon Rabinowitz, CUTS London Resource Centre, May 2008
This paper assesses the current state of play of services negotiations in the ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing EPAs between the EU and seventy-five ACP countries. Further, the paper identifies the critical issues facing the ACP in ensuring the outcome of the EPAs services negotiations supports their development efforts and provides ACP countries with guidance on how such objectives can be met.
Paper prepared for the Commonwealth Secretariat by Victor Ogalo, Consumer Unity Trust Society (CUTS) Nairobi Resource Centre and Gideon Rabinowitz, CUTS London Resource Centre, May 2008
This paper assesses the current state of play of services negotiations in the ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing EPAs between the EU and seventy-five ACP countries. Further, the paper identifies the critical issues facing the ACP in ensuring the outcome of the EPAs services negotiations supports their development efforts and provides ACP countries with guidance on how such objectives can be met.
* Open letter
by Members of the European Parliament to EC President
Barroso
Published in European Voice, 22 May 2008, (available online at the website of the Swedish Left Party delegation in the European Parliament (GUE/NGL-group))
Open letter asking European Commission President Barroso to do everything in his power to reopen the EPA negotiations, in line with his statement concerning the potential negative impact of badly negotiated EPAs on the African economies made at the EU Africa Summit in December 2007.
Published in European Voice, 22 May 2008, (available online at the website of the Swedish Left Party delegation in the European Parliament (GUE/NGL-group))
Open letter asking European Commission President Barroso to do everything in his power to reopen the EPA negotiations, in line with his statement concerning the potential negative impact of badly negotiated EPAs on the African economies made at the EU Africa Summit in December 2007.
*
Business for Development 2008: Promoting Commercial Agriculture in
Africa
OECD, May 2008
The changing pattern of international trade in agriculture has profound implications for Africa. The book’s authors discuss these trade flows, map the corporate landscape of agro-food (including the emergent indigenous sector) and assess trends in international development co-operation in agriculture. Particular focus is given to “aid for trade” programmes that aim to foster private-sector development and trade-capacity building.
OECD, May 2008
The changing pattern of international trade in agriculture has profound implications for Africa. The book’s authors discuss these trade flows, map the corporate landscape of agro-food (including the emergent indigenous sector) and assess trends in international development co-operation in agriculture. Particular focus is given to “aid for trade” programmes that aim to foster private-sector development and trade-capacity building.
*
An Impact Study of the EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) in the Six
ACP Regions
Lionel Fontagné, David Laborde, Cristina Mitaritonna, CEPII working paper No 2008 – 04, April 2008
This study intends to present a very detailed and dynamic analysis of the trade-related aspects of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) negotiations. It uses a dynamic partial equilibrium model – focusing on the demand side – at the HS6 level (covering 5,113 HS6 products). Two alternative lists of sensitive products are constructed, one giving priority to the agricultural sectors, the other focusing on tariff revenue preservation.
Résumé non technique en français:
Lionel Fontagné, David Laborde, Cristina Mitaritonna, CEPII working paper No 2008 – 04, April 2008
This study intends to present a very detailed and dynamic analysis of the trade-related aspects of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) negotiations. It uses a dynamic partial equilibrium model – focusing on the demand side – at the HS6 level (covering 5,113 HS6 products). Two alternative lists of sensitive products are constructed, one giving priority to the agricultural sectors, the other focusing on tariff revenue preservation.
Résumé non technique en français:
*A
Positive Agenda for African Agriculture in EPAs
Analytical Note, South Centre, April 2008
This Analytical note gives an overview of the provisions on agriculture of the interim EPA initialled at the end of 2007 between the EU and 35 ACP countries. A better understanding of the challenges that faces sub-Saharan agriculture in its expansion as well as the implementation of measures that would help it in that sense are fundamental for the formulation of a positive agenda that would appear as a chapter of the EPA on agriculture.
Analytical Note, South Centre, April 2008
This Analytical note gives an overview of the provisions on agriculture of the interim EPA initialled at the end of 2007 between the EU and 35 ACP countries. A better understanding of the challenges that faces sub-Saharan agriculture in its expansion as well as the implementation of measures that would help it in that sense are fundamental for the formulation of a positive agenda that would appear as a chapter of the EPA on agriculture.
*The Interim
Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement
Stephen J. H. Dearden, European Development Policy Study Group, Manchester Metropolitan University, DP36, March 2008
This paper reviews the negotiation of an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement for the Pacific group of the ACP (PACP). It begins with a summary of the existing trade agreements of the PACPs with their major trading partners, and considers the relative importance of their trade with the EU. It then reviews the various impact assessments which have been undertaken to inform the PACPs’ negotiations of an EPA, before turning to consideration of the progress of the negotiations themselves, identifying those issues which were to prove most problematic. It concludes by outlining the Interim Agreement, which was only signed by Fiji and PNG, and assessing the likely prospects of a Final Agreement being achieved by the end of 2008.
Stephen J. H. Dearden, European Development Policy Study Group, Manchester Metropolitan University, DP36, March 2008
This paper reviews the negotiation of an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement for the Pacific group of the ACP (PACP). It begins with a summary of the existing trade agreements of the PACPs with their major trading partners, and considers the relative importance of their trade with the EU. It then reviews the various impact assessments which have been undertaken to inform the PACPs’ negotiations of an EPA, before turning to consideration of the progress of the negotiations themselves, identifying those issues which were to prove most problematic. It concludes by outlining the Interim Agreement, which was only signed by Fiji and PNG, and assessing the likely prospects of a Final Agreement being achieved by the end of 2008.
---
IV. Resources from Recent Events
---
IV. Resources from Recent Events
---
* Regional Dialogue on the Interim EPA between the EAC and the EU,
Kigali, Rwanda
Date: 17-18 June 2008
This regional dialogue was organized by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) in collaboration with the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF). The key objective of the Dialogue was to examine the initialled Interim EPA between the EAC and the EU thus providing the region an opportunity to reflect on whether national priorities have been met in the agreement as it stands to-date and whether or not there is room for renegotiation of the initialled agreement. Further examination was then be made on various areas still pending in the EAC Rendezvous Clause highlighting key issues namely Agriculture, Intellectual Property, Services and Investment.
Date: 17-18 June 2008
This regional dialogue was organized by the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) in collaboration with the Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF). The key objective of the Dialogue was to examine the initialled Interim EPA between the EAC and the EU thus providing the region an opportunity to reflect on whether national priorities have been met in the agreement as it stands to-date and whether or not there is room for renegotiation of the initialled agreement. Further examination was then be made on various areas still pending in the EAC Rendezvous Clause highlighting key issues namely Agriculture, Intellectual Property, Services and Investment.
Resources:
->Information
on the ICTSD website
-> Agenda
-> List of participants
-> by San Bilal, The interim EPAs (IEPAs): an assessment on the EAC-EU IEPA - Market access aspects.
-> by Clare Akamanzi, Domestic Regulation Reform: The Experience of Rwanda.
-> by Dr. Fred Muhumuza, Uganda, Sensitive Products: Challenges and Development Strategies.
-> Agenda
-> List of participants
-> by San Bilal, The interim EPAs (IEPAs): an assessment on the EAC-EU IEPA - Market access aspects.
-> by Clare Akamanzi, Domestic Regulation Reform: The Experience of Rwanda.
-> by Dr. Fred Muhumuza, Uganda, Sensitive Products: Challenges and Development Strategies.
*Event: Symposium on Aid for Trade for the Caribbean: Making it a Reality, Kingston, Jamaica
Date: 16-17 June 2008
Organized by ICTSD and the organization of American States
Resources:
-> Information on the ICTSD website
-> Agenda
-> CRNM press release: *CRNM DG speaks on the role of institutions in Aid for Trade, 20 June 2008
-> CRNM press release: *CRNM DG speaks on the role of institutions in Aid for Trade, 20 June 2008
*Event: 33rd Session of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers, Addis Ababa
Date: 12-13 June 2008
Resources:
-> Resolution of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers
-> EU press release:
*Commissioner Michel welcomes first-ever joint ACP-EU resolutions, 16 June 2008
FR EN
-> ACP press release:
*EU is ACP’s main trading partner: Zenawi, ACP press statement 8, 13 June 2008
-> see also News: Highlights for press reports on the meeting
*Commissioner Michel welcomes first-ever joint ACP-EU resolutions, 16 June 2008
FR EN
-> ACP press release:
*EU is ACP’s main trading partner: Zenawi, ACP press statement 8, 13 June 2008
-> see also News: Highlights for press reports on the meeting
*Event: 87th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers, Addis
Ababa
Date: 9-11 June 2008
-> ACP press releases:
* Sugar and Banana push get ACP ministers’ support, ACP press statement 6, 12 June 2008
http://www.acp.int/en/com/addis/pr_6.html
*ACP express concerns on most aspects of EPA, ACP press statement 2, 11 June 2008
http://www.acp.int/en/com/addis/pr_2.html
Date: 9-11 June 2008
-> ACP press releases:
* Sugar and Banana push get ACP ministers’ support, ACP press statement 6, 12 June 2008
http://www.acp.int/en/com/addis/pr_6.html
*ACP express concerns on most aspects of EPA, ACP press statement 2, 11 June 2008
http://www.acp.int/en/com/addis/pr_2.html
* Event: Tralac annual conference, Cape Town
Date: 12-13 June 2008
The conference focused on Southern Africa’s RTA (Regional Trade Arrangement) agenda, including sessions on Intra-Regional Developments in SACU-SADC, on EPAs and Deeper Regional Integration as well as on relations between India, China and Southern Africa.
Resources:
-> Programme
Date: 12-13 June 2008
The conference focused on Southern Africa’s RTA (Regional Trade Arrangement) agenda, including sessions on Intra-Regional Developments in SACU-SADC, on EPAs and Deeper Regional Integration as well as on relations between India, China and Southern Africa.
Resources:
-> Programme
* Event: South Africa-EU Ministerial Troika, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Date: 3 June 2008
Resources:
-> Joint Communiqué (see p.2 on the Economic Partnership Agreement)
Date: 3 June 2008
Resources:
-> Joint Communiqué (see p.2 on the Economic Partnership Agreement)
* Event: West Africa-EC EPA Information Seminar / Séminaire
d’information sur l’APE UE-Afrique de l’Ouest, Bamako
Date: 29-30 May 2008
Resources:
-> Draft programme
-> List of participants
-> Information on the meeting on the EC website with the presentations given
Date: 29-30 May 2008
Resources:
-> Draft programme
-> List of participants
-> Information on the meeting on the EC website with the presentations given
* Event: ESA/EAC Seminar on Trade in Services and Investments in the EPA
negotiations, Kampala, Uganda
Date: 28-29 May 2008
-> Programme
Presentations made:
-> by the COMESA secretariat “Importance of services in ESA”
-> by Isabelle Ramdoo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade And Cooperation, Mauritius, “ ESA’s proposed framework in the context of EPA negotiations in trade and services”
-> by Mwila Mukosa Daka Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Zambia, “Liberalizing the Financial Services Sector Zambia’s Experience”
-> by Pascal Kerneis, Managing Director, ESF (European Services Forum) “Business Perspective / Ambitions – The EU views”
-> by the European Commission"
- “A perspective on negotiating successfully Services and Investment: from the interim EPAs to the full EPA. The example of the EC/Cariforum EPA”
- “EU support for EPA implementation and regional integration agenda on services and investment”
- “Other aspects of EPAs: scope and perspective”
Date: 28-29 May 2008
-> Programme
Presentations made:
-> by the COMESA secretariat “Importance of services in ESA”
-> by Isabelle Ramdoo, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade And Cooperation, Mauritius, “ ESA’s proposed framework in the context of EPA negotiations in trade and services”
-> by Mwila Mukosa Daka Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Zambia, “Liberalizing the Financial Services Sector Zambia’s Experience”
-> by Pascal Kerneis, Managing Director, ESF (European Services Forum) “Business Perspective / Ambitions – The EU views”
-> by the European Commission"
- “A perspective on negotiating successfully Services and Investment: from the interim EPAs to the full EPA. The example of the EC/Cariforum EPA”
- “EU support for EPA implementation and regional integration agenda on services and investment”
- “Other aspects of EPAs: scope and perspective”
*Event: Arbitration and Mediation in the ACP-EU Relations Conference,
Brussels
Date: 21 May 2008
Organised by the Association for International Arbitration
Resources:
-> Conference announcement
-> Publication resulting from the conference
-> Press report: Plans emerging of how to solve EPA trade disputes, Debra Percival, The Courier, 22 May 2008
Date: 21 May 2008
Organised by the Association for International Arbitration
Resources:
-> Conference announcement
-> Publication resulting from the conference
-> Press report: Plans emerging of how to solve EPA trade disputes, Debra Percival, The Courier, 22 May 2008
*Event: Second Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the COMESA Council of
Ministers, Nairobi
Date: 15 May 2008
The declaration of the meeting addresses the launch of the COMESA customs union, the COMESA fund and the ESA-EU EPA negotiations.
Resources:
-> Declaration
Date: 15 May 2008
The declaration of the meeting addresses the launch of the COMESA customs union, the COMESA fund and the ESA-EU EPA negotiations.
Resources:
-> Declaration
---
V. Resources on Upcoming events
---
V. Resources on Upcoming events
---
*Event:
11th African Union Summit
Date: 24 June – 1 July 2008
Resources:
-> Information on the AU website, including draft agenda, speeches and documents
Date: 24 June – 1 July 2008
Resources:
-> Information on the AU website, including draft agenda, speeches and documents
*Event:
International Forum on African Perspectives 2008
Date: 27 June 2008
Organised by the OECD Development Centre and the African Development Bank
Resources:
-> Information on the OECD website
Date: 27 June 2008
Organised by the OECD Development Centre and the African Development Bank
Resources:
-> Information on the OECD website
*Event:
Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean
Community, Antigua and Barbuda
Date: 2-4 July 2008
Resources:
-> Website of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
Date: 2-4 July 2008
Resources:
-> Website of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
*Event:
EC DG Trade Civil Society EPA Update meeting, Brussels
Date: 1 July 2008
The meeting will address the following points:
• state of play and progress towards conclusion of full EPAs.
• development cooperation.
• trade in goods and possible instruments to deal with rising food prices.
• trade in services, including cultural cooperation protocols.
Resources:
->Agenda and list of participants:
Date: 1 July 2008
The meeting will address the following points:
• state of play and progress towards conclusion of full EPAs.
• development cooperation.
• trade in goods and possible instruments to deal with rising food prices.
• trade in services, including cultural cooperation protocols.
Resources:
->Agenda and list of participants:
*
Event: EU-South Africa Summit, Bordeaux
Date: 25 July 2008,
During the recent SA-EU Troika Ministerial meeting in Slovenia in June, Ministers welcomed and discussed areas of cooperation being developed under the Joint SA-EU Action Plan, including peace and security cooperation, environment, science and technology, customs, energy, migration as well as transport. Both sides welcomed the progress made in the existing cooperation and policy dialogues and agreed that new areas for structured dialogues would be formalised during the first SA-EU Summit in Bordeaux on 25 July 2008.
Date: 25 July 2008,
During the recent SA-EU Troika Ministerial meeting in Slovenia in June, Ministers welcomed and discussed areas of cooperation being developed under the Joint SA-EU Action Plan, including peace and security cooperation, environment, science and technology, customs, energy, migration as well as transport. Both sides welcomed the progress made in the existing cooperation and policy dialogues and agreed that new areas for structured dialogues would be formalised during the first SA-EU Summit in Bordeaux on 25 July 2008.
Check
our website for more events and resources! http://www.acp-eu-trade.org
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