Brussels, 19/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - The kick-off for trade talks between the EU and sixteen Caribbean countries belonging to Cariforum was given on 16 April in Kingston (Jamaica). Talks were attended by Jamaica's Prime Minister Percival Patterson, European Commissioners Pascal Lamy (trade) and Poul Nielson (development policy) and Cariforum, designated by the Caribbean countries as the Europeans' interlocutor. Negotiations, which begun under the Cotonou Agreement binding the EU to ACP countries (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific), aim to conclude an economic partnership agreement (EPA) by end 2007, which would be seen as a development instrument based on regional integration and the stimulation of trade. Such an agreement will prepare for the establishment of a free trade area by 2020 between the EU and the integrated regional entities of the ACP. At this opening stage of negotiations, both parties simply established the roadmap and a timetable for their work.
"The EU has a long-standing relationship with the Caribbean. With the launch of these negotiations we are opening a new chapter between our regions. Tearing down barriers to trade among Caribbean countries is the necessary complement to the almost full access to the EU market already enjoyed by these countries. As a result, the region will come out stronger and EU-Caribbean relations will be boosted", Pascal Lamy said. Poul Nielson then expressed the view that: "Stimulating investments and productivity improvements through regional integration and the creation of larger markets will inevitably strengthen Caribbean producers on international markets. More importantly, it will be an important catalyst in driving forward the region's long-term development. This is why the EPAs are at the heart of our development agenda".
The Caribbean is the fifth ACP region to open EPA negotiations with the EU. In October 2003, negotiations were launched in both West and Central Africa, while Eastern and Southern Africa followed in February 2004. (See EUROPE of 10 February, p.13).
The sixteen Cariforum countries are: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Domincan Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, jamaica, St Ktts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago. All, except the Dominican Republic, are members of Caricom (Caribbean Community), currently implementing a single market and economy.