The economic partnership agreement was high on the agenda when EU and South African leaders met in South Africa last week for the 6th South Africa-European Union (SA-EU) Summit. The EU has set an October 2014 deadline for the conclusion of the EPA with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, giving them preferential market access for their agricultural and agro-processed products. South Africa warned that the threat of withdrawing preferential market access for products from SA and neighbouring countries if the EPA was not finalised would have devastating socio-economic consequences. CAPTION Pictured with President Jacob Zuma at the SA-EU summit is president of the European Council, Herman Achille Van Rompuy (left), and president of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso. The cake was prepared to celebrate former President Nelson 95th birthday, which fell on the opening day of the summit. Photo: GCIS
