CARIFORUM States of the Caribbean sign EPA with the EU

Features

Guest writers comment on trade in southern Africa.

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Kazungula Bridge

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Posted Oct 15, 2008

Fourteen of the CARIFORUM countries finalised complex negotiations which have taken place over several years and signed an EPA which will now require effective mechanisms to be put in place for the countries to benefit fully.
Sir Edwin Carrington, Secretary General of the CARIFORUM called for the countries to share a common perspective with more, not less, integration and cooperation. He also said that a ‘societal sea change in attitude and work ethic’ would be necessary to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
The UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for DFID, Gareth Thomas, suggested the agreement offered an unprecedented opportunity for the region to shift production from traditional exports to higher value goods and services.

Further details available from the website of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery
www.crnm.org