ISDS Case Map
ACP
Asia, Caribbean, Pacific Group
Some of the 35 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states that have initialled interim economic partnership agreements (EPAs) may still withdraw from the process -- apart from the 44 states that have so far refused to sign EPAs with the European Union -- according to researchers studying the fraught trade negotiating process.
Oxfam launched a new research paper today at UNCTAD XII in Ghana. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the proposed (I)EPA texts and makes a number of recommendations: to evaluate the deals before they are signed, to provide an alternative for countries that choose not to sign and to renegotiate contentious clauses.
This paper on government procurement and EPAS written by Stephen Woolcock from LSE recommends that ACP countries first open their procurment markets on a regional basis, before making commitments to the EU.
With the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) scheduled for July this year between CARICOM states, the Dominican Republic and the European Union (EU), several services within the local maritime sector could see changes taking place when the Agreement takes effect.
Parliament will Wednesday hold a joint consultative seminar on the role of Parliament and the private sector in the ongoing negotiations expected to pave way for signing the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
France, the forthcoming holder of the European Union's rotating presidency, has asked that the bloc display greater flexibility in talks aimed at reaching free trade accords with Africa.
This paper provides an analysis on the significance of changes made to rules of origin during the EPA negotiations
This paper explores the implications of ACP Countries continuing
negotiations for further IPR protection in EPAs by: conducting an
analysis to determine the exact nature of commitments that the ACP
regions have made regarding the basis and scope of future negotiations
on IPRs; examining some of the more significant provisions on IPRs in
the EU-Cariforum EPA; and concluding with recommendations for future
actions that ACP countries can take in their approach to IPRs in future
EPA negotiations.
For the moment, Caribbean countries should limit signing of the full Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Europe in the trade of goods section.
The Southern African Development Community countries need assistance and cooperation from the European Union to overcome development challenges in the spirit of partnership, said Speaker of the National Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab, at the first regional ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in the southern African region.
