EU-Africa trade talks at decisive stage

Jun 26, 2007

NEGOTIATIONS for the Economic Partnership Agreements between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries are at a decisive stage. Vincent De Vischer, the EU’s delegation head, said the eastern and southern African countries had overcome some hurdles and renewed their c

By Ibrahim Kasita

NEGOTIATIONS for the Economic Partnership Agreements between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries are at a decisive stage. Vincent De Vischer, the EU’s delegation head, said the eastern and southern African countries had overcome some hurdles and renewed their commitment to conclude the negotiations by December.

The agreements, which are supposed to come into effect in January 2008, are aimed at establishing a free trade agreement between the EU and ACP countries.

“The pacts are aimed at helping build regional markets and diversify economies in the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries,” De Vischer told a conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo. In 2000, the EU and the ACP countries agreed to overhaul their trade arrangement with the negotiation of the EPAs.

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