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new vision

EAST African states have been advised to go slow in signing the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) unless they are satisfied with its content.
The European Union is reforming its trade deals with the African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries (ACP), which have existed for over a half a century.


EPAs aim at establishment of a free trade area as well as the promotion of sustainable development and poverty reduction by helping the integration of ACP countries into the world trading system and supporting their own regional economic integration.

The European Commission has called a conference in Brussels on November 8, to rescue the faltering trade negotiations between the EU and ACP.

Atul Kaushik, the director of Consumer Unity and Trust Society International Geneva Resource Centre, described EPAs as a big challenge to regional trade.

“By the look of things, EPAs may foster trade delays within the region unless proper agreements are adhered to,” said Kaushik.

“It is better to delay signing an agreement than sign and get to understand the contents later. There is still time for East African states to sign the EPAs,” he said.