Development dimension must not be compromised in any EPA with EU.
PRESS STATEMENT (88/07)
31st July 2007
Development dimension must not be compromised in any EPA with EU.
Pacific ACP Trade Ministers have been urged to stay focused on the 'development' dimensions, which must not be compromised in an attempt to swiftly conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU).
When opening the Joint Pacific ACP Trade Ministers, National Authorising Officers (NAOs) and the Regional Authorising Officer (RAO) in Port Vila, Vanuatu today, the newly appointed Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister, Edward Natapei also called for unity among the PACP Members as they negotiate the EPA.
"In this journey we have all faced disappointments and achievements with similar grace. But as we approach 31 December 2007 with greater intensity, we all entrusted leaders of our nation, shoulder the responsibility of protecting and promoting our collective interest. Above and beyond our individual interest, we have together conceptualized a common interest, that binds us all together. That common interest is 'development' through trade liberalization and integration," Hon. Natapei said.
"The EPA can be an important vehicle in our aspirations to be part of the global economy. But, the question that confronts us is, what do we expect from committing ourselves under the Agreement, which is binding and reciprocal agreement? The answer unequivocally must be: We expect development."
He stated that trade liberalization sealed by trade agreements such as the EPA can be beneficial only if they address the trade constraining bottlenecks and assist in formulating and implementing of long term national economic goals.
"The Pacific ACP demand for investment provisions, multi-lateral fisheries agreement, liberal Rules of Origin, temporary movement of natural persons, assistance in tariff and service sector liberalization were all conceptualized to translate the EPA into a developmental trade document that addressed the constraints faced by the Pacific in its aspirations for economic growth and global integration," Mr Natapei said.
He said the Pacific ACP region is willing to commit itself to trade liberalization under the EPA.
"What we seek, in return, is a robust commitment by the European Commission under the EPA towards assisting us in our process of economic liberalization and economic integration. The current Pacific ACP demand paper outlines our reciprocal demand.
"The Economic Partnership Agreement negotiation will reach equilibrium only when EC's demands are balanced by PACP's demands. Deviation from this will result in an EPA in a constant state of disequilibrium," Mr Natapei said.
He re-iterated: "A swift conclusion to the EPA is still possible only if there is substantial movement on the development component."
ENDS
31st July 2007
Development dimension must not be compromised in any EPA with EU.
Pacific ACP Trade Ministers have been urged to stay focused on the 'development' dimensions, which must not be compromised in an attempt to swiftly conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU).
When opening the Joint Pacific ACP Trade Ministers, National Authorising Officers (NAOs) and the Regional Authorising Officer (RAO) in Port Vila, Vanuatu today, the newly appointed Vanuatu Deputy Prime Minister, Edward Natapei also called for unity among the PACP Members as they negotiate the EPA.
"In this journey we have all faced disappointments and achievements with similar grace. But as we approach 31 December 2007 with greater intensity, we all entrusted leaders of our nation, shoulder the responsibility of protecting and promoting our collective interest. Above and beyond our individual interest, we have together conceptualized a common interest, that binds us all together. That common interest is 'development' through trade liberalization and integration," Hon. Natapei said.
"The EPA can be an important vehicle in our aspirations to be part of the global economy. But, the question that confronts us is, what do we expect from committing ourselves under the Agreement, which is binding and reciprocal agreement? The answer unequivocally must be: We expect development."
He stated that trade liberalization sealed by trade agreements such as the EPA can be beneficial only if they address the trade constraining bottlenecks and assist in formulating and implementing of long term national economic goals.
"The Pacific ACP demand for investment provisions, multi-lateral fisheries agreement, liberal Rules of Origin, temporary movement of natural persons, assistance in tariff and service sector liberalization were all conceptualized to translate the EPA into a developmental trade document that addressed the constraints faced by the Pacific in its aspirations for economic growth and global integration," Mr Natapei said.
He said the Pacific ACP region is willing to commit itself to trade liberalization under the EPA.
"What we seek, in return, is a robust commitment by the European Commission under the EPA towards assisting us in our process of economic liberalization and economic integration. The current Pacific ACP demand paper outlines our reciprocal demand.
"The Economic Partnership Agreement negotiation will reach equilibrium only when EC's demands are balanced by PACP's demands. Deviation from this will result in an EPA in a constant state of disequilibrium," Mr Natapei said.
He re-iterated: "A swift conclusion to the EPA is still possible only if there is substantial movement on the development component."
ENDS
