ISDS Case Map
EAC
As the East African Community Ministers converge in the Tanzanian capital of Dar-es-Salaam with a possibility of signing the long awaited Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Civil Society Organisations are still thinking otherwise.
The East African Legislative Assembly wants member states to delay the signing of new economic partnership deals with Europe until outstanding issues are resolved.
The EU said in February it wanted a clear timetable for signing the deal, but Tanzania's trade minister said then the EAC would not budge unless Brussels gave firm commitments on development assistance, especially for infrastructure.
The Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) is in the process of initiating a study of a possible free trade agreement (FTA) with the East African Community (EAC).
Reports that the East African Community is close to signing an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union may be a mirage.
The Economic Partnership Agreement between the East African Community and the European Union will be signed in December this year, John Bosco Kanyangoga, Rwanda's trade expert has said.
The European Commission is increasing pressure on the East African Community to sign a free trade agreement despite the revenue losses it would incur for the East African states.
The East African Community moved closer to striking a deal on Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations with the European Union after Brussels softened its stand on development support – a key demand of African states that has stalled the talks for nearly three years.
Member countries of the East African Community and the US Trade and Investment Council held their first meeting Monday in Kampala to set policy guidance that would enable implementation of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement signed by the two sides 16 July 2008.
Kenya is considering breaking ranks with its East Africa partners and sign a framework on new economic trade pacts with Europe, citing its disadvantaged position should it fail to do so.
