Europe guarantees full and free access to trade from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific
Posted, May 25, 2007 @ 00:00
Conservative MEP Robert Sturdy wins trade rights for poorer countries
Brussels: May 25th 2007 -- Conservatives persuaded the European Parliament yesterday to open up EU markets to trade from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries by endorsing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). EPAs reinforce the Cameron agenda which is to promote free trade with the EU to strengthen the fight against global poverty. They are aimed at boosting competitiveness and growth and were initiated at the request of the World Trade Organisation which felt that current trade practices did not support the principles of open, competitive and non-preferential market access.
EPAs are intended to link trade and development policy, incorporate sustainable development and contribute to poverty reduction through facilitating trade and enabling ACP countries to become better integrated into the global economy.
Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg yesterday voted overwhelmingly in favour of Mr Sturdy’s recommendations which called for:
- Full duty free, quota free market access for the ACP
- Workable dispute settlement and monitoring mechanisms with transparent provisions
- Real power to act in the event of changes caused by EPAs having a harmful effect on sectors of ACP economies
Mr Sturdy believes the only way to ensure that EPAs have a beneficial impact is if they are a true partnership. He said:
“These negotiations have moved very slowly because of conflicting ideas on a number of issues, including regional integration, identification of sensitive products, and preparing concrete and detailed proposals for EPA-related support. The ACP has been asked to do a great deal and too often the institutional infrastructure and lack of capacity has raised questions about whether these proposals will contribute to their development in the manner that they want it to.
“The January 2008 deadline for the EU-ACP to sign up to EPAs is obviously what makes this year so crucial. Time is running out. Negotiators must press on to reach a mutually beneficial settlement on EPAs which will help ACP countries' development, while supporting international trade relations.
“EPAs have an essential role to play as instruments for development and, appropriately designed, they represent an opportunity to revitalise EU-ACP trading relations, promote economic diversification and regional integration, and reduce poverty in the ACP countries
“We have failed in many respects to help ACP countries and now have a real chance to do something which will really make a mark providing there is a will by all.”