The Pacific ACP region is not alone in its struggle to negotiate
a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union
(EU).
“On the international stage, ACP-EU Economic Partnership
Agreement negotiations have reached a stalemate in all regions except for the
Caribbean,” said the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum
Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade.
“There are still many areas that require further consideration
by Pacific ACP Ministers. There are a range of contentious issues that require
Ministers’ guidance and direction. Some of these contentious issues are unique
to the region; others are identical to those faced by other ACP countries,
especially in Africa. These must be resolved if we are to move forward, and
this will require flexibility both on the part of Pacific ACP States and the
European Union.”
Mr Slade was addressing Pacific ACP Ministers at their meeting
being held today in Apia, Samoa, to consider various regional trade issues,
including progressing negotiations with the EU on a comprehensive EPA.
“Work carried out on advancing an EPA intensified in 2010, and
was one of the busiest for the Secretariat in this area of work,” said Mr
Slade. “In the last year, trade officials, with the Secretariat, have worked
hard to prepare for the next meeting with the European Commission. They have
undertaken substantial work on market access offers, and up to seven countries
are now ready to move forward with these offers.
“Much work has been carried out by the Secretariat in support of
officials, and I assure you that the Secretariat, at the direction of PACP
States, remains fully committed to progressing and concluding these important
negotiations.”
Meetings of fisheries and trade officials have made progress on
outstanding issues in the fisheries chapter, and customs text has been considered
and drafted in close consultation with customs officials.
“During this time the Forum Secretariat has benefitted from the
advice provided by the Forum Fisheries Agency and the Oceania Customs
Organisation, and their support has been essential in this work.”
Market access, however, is not enough to create truly beneficial
outcomes for our communities according to Mr Slade.
“The Pacific must remain firm in its position that the Economic
Partnership Agreement must go beyond market access and have a strong
development focus. Only then will our most vulnerable nations truly benefit, in
a sustainable manner, from this strategic partnership with the European Union.
“Development cooperation is an integral part of the EPA, and
additional, sustainable resources are required to support EPA implementation
and the development of the private sector.”
Ministers will consider the 2011 Draft Strategy prepared by the
Secretariat which reviews the Economic Partnership Agreement and sets out
various options for the Pacific ACP States to progress and conclude the
negotiations.
“We must determine a clear strategy to bring these negotiations
to a conclusion. PACP Ministers’ guidance in this area is critical, and will
map out the path ahead,” Mr Slade said.
“With respect to PICTA issues, implementation of commitments is
lacking and requires special attention and commitment by all Parties and
Signatories. I wish to encourage all those PICTA parties that have yet to
complete their domestic legislative changes to hasten the process so that trade
under PICTA can intensify.
“Your meeting today will also consider the WTO issues including
an update on the Doha Development Agenda and Forum Island Country accession to
WTO as well as an update on the operations of the Forum Office in Geneva.
Finally you will also be briefed on issues pertaining to Aid for Trade in the
Pacific and current Programmes supporting related activities in the region. “