PACP Trade Officials and Ministers meet in Fiji
PRESS STATEMENT (20/08)
26th March 2008
PACIFIC ACP TRADE OFFICIALS AND MINISTERS TO DISCUSS WAY FORWARD IN EPA NEGOTIATIONS WITH EU
Pacific ACP Trade Officials and Ministers are meeting in Nadi, Fiji 26 – 28 March to consider recent developments in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) and to consider a way forward to complete the remaining negotiations.
The Officials meet on 26th March to prepare for the Ministers’ meeting 27 – 28 March.
In the discussions on the way forward in the EPA negotiations the meetings will consider possible options in the Pacific ACP-EU EPA negotiations, taking into consideration recent developments, and where appropriate provide directions to the Regional Negotiating Machinery.
There will also be consideration of other issues including Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) services negotiations and issues relevant to the possible deepening of trade and economic cooperation between Forum Island Countries (FICs) and Australia and New Zealand (PACER).
The Ministers will discuss issues relevant to the proposal for a Chief Trade Adviser to coordinate negotiations of PACER (Pacific Agreement for Closer Economic Relations with Australia and New Zealand) on behalf of the PACPS,
They will also consider current developments relevant to the possible deepening of trade and economic cooperation between FICs and the United States.
Recent developments in the Pacific energy sector and the challenges and opportunities of regional integration will also be discussed.
It is anticipated the meeting of Trade Ministers will agree on a road map of activities and schedule of joint meetings with the EC to conclude a full EPA by 31 December 2008.
ENDS.
For more information, please contact Dr Roman Grynberg, Director, Economic Governance Programme on phone 679 3220 342, fax: 679 3220 282 or email: romang@forumsec.org,fj.
26th March 2008
PACIFIC ACP TRADE OFFICIALS AND MINISTERS TO DISCUSS WAY FORWARD IN EPA NEGOTIATIONS WITH EU
Pacific ACP Trade Officials and Ministers are meeting in Nadi, Fiji 26 – 28 March to consider recent developments in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with the European Union (EU) and to consider a way forward to complete the remaining negotiations.
The Officials meet on 26th March to prepare for the Ministers’ meeting 27 – 28 March.
In the discussions on the way forward in the EPA negotiations the meetings will consider possible options in the Pacific ACP-EU EPA negotiations, taking into consideration recent developments, and where appropriate provide directions to the Regional Negotiating Machinery.
There will also be consideration of other issues including Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) services negotiations and issues relevant to the possible deepening of trade and economic cooperation between Forum Island Countries (FICs) and Australia and New Zealand (PACER).
The Ministers will discuss issues relevant to the proposal for a Chief Trade Adviser to coordinate negotiations of PACER (Pacific Agreement for Closer Economic Relations with Australia and New Zealand) on behalf of the PACPS,
They will also consider current developments relevant to the possible deepening of trade and economic cooperation between FICs and the United States.
Recent developments in the Pacific energy sector and the challenges and opportunities of regional integration will also be discussed.
It is anticipated the meeting of Trade Ministers will agree on a road map of activities and schedule of joint meetings with the EC to conclude a full EPA by 31 December 2008.
ENDS.
For more information, please contact Dr Roman Grynberg, Director, Economic Governance Programme on phone 679 3220 342, fax: 679 3220 282 or email: romang@forumsec.org,fj.
