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Published Thursday, December 20, 2007 at 11:30
by
Editor
in EU in the world (483 views and 0 comments)
‘EPAs’ – the
expression itself sounds harmless, but these trade agreements with
poor countries are really a hot topic for debate!
Right now the European Union is negotiating trade agreements with
77 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. If the developing
world and the EU have not reached an agreement before the end of
the year the 77 countries risk being left with a much less
advantageous deal. The deadline for the negotiations has just been
extended - buying both the EU and the developing countries more
precious time to think.
If you ask the poor countries signing the current offer from the EU
is not exactly a dream come true either. EPAs will open developing
economies to an extent never seen before. Poor countries are
concerned that increased liberalization will allow international
companies to ‘prey’ on their markets.
ActionAid, an
international NGO, fears consequences such as job losses, cuts in
public services and government revenue losses.
The issue gets more complicated as the World Trade Organization
(WTO) and its members have a word to say as well. Other developing
countries - those who are not among the 77 offered EPAs - are...
» read more ...
Tags: Africa, development, fair trade
