SA restates sensitivities in on-going EU trade talks

THE TARGET date for a free trade treaty between South Africa and the European Union remains September, even though the latest talks between the two negotiating bodies ended on an inconclusive note in Cape Town recently says Elias Links, leader of the South African delegation.
We have not yet agreed on the final list of points that would form part of the compromise in September, he said.
According to the EU's chief negotiator, Philip Lowe, there are half a dozen areas on both sides where they would like to see the other side improve their offers.
Sectors where deals still have to be struck include clothing, textiles, footwear, motor vehicles, steel and agriculture.
It will be tough to define our positions for the final offer, says Links. The EU, he said, had given a thorough presentation on ways in which it thinks it can improve its offer.
In the latest talks South Africa has outlined the limits it faced in opening its markets for areas such as cars, textiles, clothing and ceramics.
We have restated our sensitivities, so it would be very difficult to sign off on these areas.