A proposed trade pact between South Korea and the European Union is one-sided and could threaten automobile manufacturing in Western Europe, a top Ford Motor Co executive said on Thursday.
Not only is the European Union (EU) uncomfortable with Namibia’s ambiguity on interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), but it is also concerned about the possibility of a legal challenge over Namibia’s access to duty-free quota free since last year.
The Ethiopian Government is debating whether to sign the EPA with the EU, as it has concerns about the effect it will have on its fragile industries. Research shows negative implications for women, agriculture and manufacturing.
The European Union has not agreed to include trade concessions made at the Swakopmund negotiations in the interim economic partnership agreement, but intends to look at the rules of origin provisions to prevent the breakup of the Southern African Customs Unions
The European Union is moving ahead with negotiations on a free trade agreement with Vietnam. The process is expected to be completed by October 2010, as the pact is now an EU priority under the new Swedish presidency.