East and Southern African Ministers agree to continue EPA negotiations with a development focus
Eastern and Southern African EPA Ministers met on 7 December and agreed to propose to their heads of government that negotiations continue towards a regional EPA agreement with the EU. The ministers stressed that development and regional integration need to be at the core of the agreement.
In this regard, the ESA Ministers renewed their call for greater EC flexibility, particularly by allowing for 70% trade liberalisation coverage and transition periods beyond 15 years; permitting the use of export taxes as a tool for development; excluding developing countries from the application of the MFN provision; retaining cumulation provisions for rules of origin; and prioritising the development agenda, in particular for additional resources for EPA implementation and sustainable development policies.
The ministers also want to monitor the impact of the EPA on the basis of an agreed set of development benchmarks and for the review process to be linked to implementation of the provisions of the EPA. It was agreed that the ESA Group should continue to harmonise its positions with EAC and SADC EPA groups, other ACP regions, and the all-ACP level where possible. Accordingly, a joint ministerial meeting on EPAs with the EAC and SADC may be envisaged.
An ESA heads of government stock-taking meeting will be held in early February with an emphasis on development issues and financing. Subsequently, joint technical and political level meetings may be planned to set new, realistic deadlines for the completion of full and inclusive EPA negotiations.
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