AU cautions members against signing trade deals

ALTHOUGH IT is still three months to the conclusion of the economic partnership agreements (EPAs) between African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the European Union (EU), there are already African voices speaking out against them. The African Union (AU) is cautioning member states against signing the trade deal if it undermines development on the continent, said a report in the newspaper, the East African. In a study, the AU challenged African leaders and negotiators to examine the proposed EPAs and ensure that only those that “effectively” support the socio-economic development of Africa are concluded. The development aspect of the agreements, the AU asserted, must be in line with the millennium development goals (MDGs). According to information released to FTW by the Southern African Trade Law Centre (tralac), the study recommends that the European partners should cover the costs of EPA implementation in Africa, and the adjustment needs of the continent. A further recommendation is that EPAs must provide for the formulation of "rules of origin" on products exported to Africa, as well as use of regional funds as "delivery mechanisms".