By Emma Kakololo
WINDHOEK
Trade union leaders from African countries yesterday criticised the direction the European Commission (EC) took with regards to the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs).
The unionists called upon the European Union (EU) executive arm, the EC, to reflect on and change the direction the negotiations were heading.
The statement from union leaders from nine countries coincides with the meeting of African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) trade ministers in Brussels, which is considered a crucial point in the negotiations.
Whilst agreeing on the one hand that the conclusion of full EPAs is simply impossible, the Commission has not in any way lowered its ambition regarding the type of trade agreements it wishes to conclude the strongly worded statement said.
“They still hope to do a comprehensive deal on all the issues, which developing countries have fought for years to keep out of the WTO – investment, procurement, competition and public services.”
The unions argue that similarly, the deals now presented to a number of regions dubbed “EPAs light”, would still have dire consequences for their economies and jobs.
“The fact that the liberalisation of tariffs on goods, including agriculture, will happen at a level and rate that threatens our small farmers and infant industries could spell disaster for some of the most fragile economies in the world.
“On top of this, the rapid loss of government revenue will paralyse our governments’ abilities to invest in education, health and decent jobs, all of which are crucial to sustainable development.”
EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson at the Committee on International Trade (INTA) last month criticised the proposals by the ACP group.
He specifically objected to the proposal to liberalise 60 percent of imports over a 25-year period, saying World Trade Organisation (WTO) would reject this.
Mandelson also stressed the need to complete the full EPAs, as this would allow the EC to target the European Development Fund (EDF) funding at the commitments ACP countries have taken.
EPAs he said would set the clear priorities that EU member states need to help them direct their additional Aid for Trade commitments – which would total ǟ