Economic relations between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) have been characterized by non-reciprocal preferential trade agreements. These trade agreements have been continuously criticized for being incompatible with WTO rules. In order to conform to the norms of international trade, the EU has required that its economic relations with the ACP states are governed by the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA), which are negotiated with three African Regional Economic Communities. After more than twelve years of negotiations, the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have signed the EPA with the EU, despite differing opinions on the real benefits that can be expected from such agreements. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the impact of the EPA on the economies of the ECOWAS (in terms of trade creation and diversion), in particular Burkina Faso. The study uses a modified version of the computable general equilibrium model developed in Decaluwé et al. (2013). The static baseline model is calibrated using a social accounting matrix (SAM) for Burkina Faso's economy of 2012. Our results show that the APE give the EU a competitive advantage. Burkina Faso's imports originating from the EU increase, manifesting trade diversion. The trade agreements have no significant effect on Burkina Faso's exports to the EU or the ECOWAS. Furthermore, while the APE considerably improve population well-being, they do not lower poverty or social inequalities. ; Les relations commerciales entre l'Union européenne (UE) et les Etats d'Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique (ACP) ont longtemps été caractérisées par un régime préférentiel non réciproque. Ce régime a finalement été dénoncé en raison de son incompatibilité avec les règles de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC). Pour se mettre en conformité avec les exigences de l'OMC, l'UE a voulu que ses relations commerciales avec les Etats ACP soient désormais régies par des Accords de partenariat ...
Economic relations between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) have been characterized by non-reciprocal preferential trade agreements. These trade agreements have been continuously criticized for being incompatible with WTO rules. In order to conform to the norms of international trade, the EU has required that its economic relations with the ACP states are governed by the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA), which are negotiated with three African Regional Economic Communities. After more than twelve years of negotiations, the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have signed the EPA with the EU, despite differing opinions on the real benefits that can be expected from such agreements. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the impact of the EPA on the economies of the ECOWAS (in terms of trade creation and diversion), in particular Burkina Faso. The study uses a modified version of the computable general equilibrium model developed in Decaluwé et al. (2013). The static baseline model is calibrated using a social accounting matrix (SAM) for Burkina Faso's economy of 2012. Our results show that the APE give the EU a competitive advantage. Burkina Faso's imports originating from the EU increase, manifesting trade diversion. The trade agreements have no significant effect on Burkina Faso's exports to the EU or the ECOWAS. Furthermore, while the APE considerably improve population well-being, they do not lower poverty or social inequalities. ; Les relations commerciales entre l'Union européenne (UE) et les Etats d'Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique (ACP) ont longtemps été caractérisées par un régime préférentiel non réciproque. Ce régime a finalement été dénoncé en raison de son incompatibilité avec les règles de l'Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC). Pour se mettre en conformité avec les exigences de l'OMC, l'UE a voulu que ses relations commerciales avec les Etats ACP soient désormais régies par des Accords de partenariat ...
It appears that the EU's negotiations over Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and seven regional groups, which together comprise 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific states (the so-called ACP states), have arrived at a stalemate. Thus far it has only been possible to conclude an agreement with one group, including all its members. Negotiations with other groups have only resulted in transitional agreements with individual states or sub-groups of states. The EU deplores the negative attitude among its negotiating partners and defends the agreements as instruments of economic development. But do these agreements present the ACP side with sufficient advantages so that it will engage in reaching a conclusion? Can tailor-made agreements be arranged so that the various interest groups are better taken into account?
The literature examining small states as norm entrepreneurs focuses predominantly on Scandinavian countries. In contrast, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Small Vulnerable Economies (SVE) in the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries are largely excluded from this analysis of norm transmission: there is little work investigating whether these overlapping sub-categories of small states have successfully created norms in areas of interest to them, particularly in multilateral trade. Using the constructivist 'norm life cycle' model, this paper proposes four major reasons why SIDS, and SVEs specifically within the SIDS category, outside the Least Developed Country (LDC) group, have so far been unable to establish their eligibility for, and thereby establish adoption of, the norm that they become permanent recipients of special and differential treatment (SDT) and of preferences in global trade politics, despite significant norm entrepreneurship since the 1990s when non-reciprocal free trade lost favour. ; peer-reviewed
The role of the Cotonou Agreement during the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States has been well studied. This paper analyses the inverse of this relationship, namely the legal and political implications of different possible outcomes of the upcoming post-Cotonou negotiations on the EPAs, following the expiry of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020. The EPAs include several cross-references to provisions in the Cotonou Agreement on development and human rights. This paper analyses the legal and political implications for the EPAs of possible negotiation outcomes, including combinations of regional or non-legally binding cooperation agreements. Its main conclusion is that a decision not to renew the Cotonou Agreement would have significant political implications but, contrary to the views of some EU stakeholders, limited legal implications for the EPAs.
Organised by CTA, the European Commission (EC), the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and Concord, the Brussels Development Policy Briefings have been a flagship initiative providing an inclusive policy dialogue forum for 13 years, focusing on the most critical issues facing agriculture and rural development in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific countries. The Briefings offered a structured mechanism for the exchange of information and experience among representatives of the development community in Brussels. This was meant to help all these experts communicate with each other, and help increase the collaboration and partnership options. Many of the world's leading experts were involved in 60 high-level policy dialogue meetings since the Brussels Development Policy Briefings were launched in 2007. Supporting a network of Brussels-based policy-makers and development practitioners, especially those focusing on rural development issues, the meetings provided the basis for new partnerships and helped many initiatives to scale up. As recognised by Leonard Mizzi, Head of Unit at the EC, Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, the Brussels Briefings were popular and influential "in providing the cutting-edge latest information on topical issues, the policy debates [were] embedded in the highest echelons of the ACP constituency and [went] well beyond the event." ; European Union ; Internal Review
Executive summary Introduction CTA works primarily through intermediary organisations and partners (non-governmental organisations, farmers' organisations, regional organisations) to promote agriculture and rural development and to deliver its various information products and capacity building services. By partnering with these organisations, CTA seeks to increase the number of ACP organisations capable of generating and managing information and developing their own information and communication management strategies. This study is one of six country assessment studies of needs for agricultural information needs in countries emerging from prolonged conflict situations in Africa. Objectives The objectives of this study are to develop a strategy for CTA's approach to post-conflict countries, to improve the effectiveness of CTA's support for post-conflict countries and to compile baseline data on the status of ICM and ICTs in agriculture and rural development in Angola. Methodology The country profile was produced through a desktop study that relied heavily on information available on the Internet. Additional information was obtained from informants through e-mail contacts. Using the desktop study we compiled a list of key institutions to interview. This list was discussed via e-mail with CTA and informants in Angola. Informants of nine key institutions were then interviewed face-to-face. Expected results This study will provide: 1) an inventory of the status of agricultural information services, institutions and other actors and their needs as their relate to physical infrastructure, information availability and access and human capacity development; 2) an assessment of the current and / or planned interventions of the government and bi- or multilateral agencies in the field of information for agriculture and rural development; 3) an overview of the needs of potential partners for CTA activities and services in terms of building capacity for information and communication management; 4) a short-list of potential partners / beneficiaries for CTA activities and services; 5) baseline data to facilitate subsequent monitoring activities. The study will also provide a framework for CTA to develop a framework for action and fashion a strategy aimed at institutions in countries emerging from conflict situations and provide input into its 2006 – 2010 strategic plan. Findings During the civil war between UNITA and the Angolan Government that lasted until 2002, the infrastructure in Angola, especially in rural areas, was almost completely destroyed. Since 2002, up to 4.5 million displaced people were resettled in their area of origin or preference and received emergency support. About 2.2 million households (75% of the population) are engaged in subsistence agriculture. Agricultural production is still low but growing rapidly. Since 2002 the area under cultivation has increased with 50 % to 3.2 million hectare but that represents still only 5% of all arable land and Angola still imports about half of its cereal requirements. The main export crops are coffee and palm oil. Livestock numbers are also increasing rapidly since 2002. The production is concentrated in the southern provinces. Access to water is the main constraint for livestock holders in these areas. Fisheries are an important sector, providing direct employment to 35,000 people. Firewood and charcoal are an important source of income for up to 18% of the rural households and the only source of energy to almost all rural households. Timber production is concentrated in Cabinda province. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries contribute 8% to the GNP. Because of the weak infrastructure and the focus on emergency projects, which spent only the minimum on obtaining information and ICM, there is limited information available about the situation in rural areas. The information that is available is fragmented and scattered in many project evaluation reports. To cope with this situation, an informal network of information exchange has developed between NGOs, GoA and bi- and multilateral agencies in Angola over the last four years. The language barrier and outdated libraries are the main obstacles encountered by organisations searching for technical information on agriculture. Limited access to mass media and weak infrastructure are the main obstacles encountered in extension activities. There is currently no national strategy on information management and none of the organisations interviewed had an organisational strategy on information management. Organisations working in the area of agriculture and rural development are now changing to development activities and this change is accompanied by some important changes in information demands. Firstly, there is an increased need for active participation in the planning and implementation of activities by the target group. Secondly, new actors are coming in, while present ones are leaving. Thirdly, it is expected that rural households in Angola will increase production above subsistence level in the near future and will be looking for opportunities to market excess production or divert resources to cash crops. Fourthly, the government is relaxing media controls, allowing freer communication between all stakeholders and a potential increase in the use of media by NGOs. Conclusions Most respondents need information on the actual situation on the ground. Existing information produced between 2002 and 2006 is scattered over many organisations and reports. This information must be consolidated in a data-base before the main implementers leave Angola. Respondents also need information about developments in thinking on food security, rural livelihoods, participatory approaches to resource management and rural development preferably in the form of reference books. Furthermore, information is needed on micro credit and support to associations. This information should be in the form of manuals and exchange visits to successful projects, preferably in Portuguese speaking and/or African countries. Finally, technical information on food crops and fisheries is needed. Respondents need capacity building in information management to increase the effectiveness of the organisation. Especially government officials requested training in the analysis of socio-economic data. Training in the design of questionnaires and in training the interviewers is also necessary. Furthermore, respondents wanted training in the use of the Internet to obtain information and in the design and development of websites, in effective writing and the development of extension materials, in the use of participatory methods and in demand driven extension. Finally, some respondents wanted training in the use of mass media, especially radio and in the production and use of audio-visual training material. Recommendations We recommend that CTA support IDA with the development of a national IMC strategy for agricultural information that will encourage a pro-poor and gender sensitive development strategy. CTA should also supports IDA, FONGA and ADRA with the establishment of an institutional ICM. This would include building a data-base with all information produced to date. Additionally CTA should support a policy for the use of mass media, especially community radio in extension programmes. Simultaneously, the most needed information will have to be made available at central level for ongoing work. Small libraries can be set up for this at IDA and FONGA. Second, a programme of capacity building is needed to enable all actors to implement the policies formulated in the first phase. This programme should be accompanied by a limited provision of resources (Internet access, increased libraries). Trained personnel musts have the resources to use their new skills to implement activities. Successful approaches used at central level can be replicated at provincial level during this stage. Care must be taken that the information system remains pro-poor and gender sensitive. Possibly, specific actions to help prevent the spread of HIV and mitigate its effects should be taken during this phase. Finally, in the long term, specific technical information will need to be supplied for specific target groups such as fish breeders and farmers specialising in niche markets. ; The objectives of this study are to develop a strategy for CTA's approach to post-conflict countries, to improve the effectiveness of CTA's support for post-conflict countries and to compile baseline data on the status of ICM and ICTs in agriculture.
The main purpose of te economic partnership agreement (EPA) is to make the commercial settlements between states or groupe of states cumply with the clauses of the World Trade Organization (WTO) namely the introduction of the principle of the reciprocity in the commercial relations between the European Union (EU)and the African, Caribbean and Pacifique states (ACP).The signing of the economic partnership agreement by some ACP countries,still currently sparks of critisims upon the consequences deriving from the revocation of trade preferences, of wich numerous countries are dependent on. ; L'objectif principal de l'Accord de partenariat économique (APE) est la mise en conformité des arrangements commerciaux entre les États ou groupes d'États avec les dispositions de l'Organisation Mondiale de Commerce (OMC)notamment l'introduction de la réciprocité dans les relations commerciales entre l'Union européenne (UE) et les pays d'Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique (ACP).La signature de l'Accord de partenariat économique par certains pays ACP, suscite encore à l'heure actuelle des critiques sur les effets de la suppression des préférences commerciales dont dépendent de nombreux pays ACP.
The main purpose of te economic partnership agreement (EPA) is to make the commercial settlements between states or groupe of states cumply with the clauses of the World Trade Organization (WTO) namely the introduction of the principle of the reciprocity in the commercial relations between the European Union (EU)and the African, Caribbean and Pacifique states (ACP).The signing of the economic partnership agreement by some ACP countries,still currently sparks of critisims upon the consequences deriving from the revocation of trade preferences, of wich numerous countries are dependent on. ; L'objectif principal de l'Accord de partenariat économique (APE) est la mise en conformité des arrangements commerciaux entre les États ou groupes d'États avec les dispositions de l'Organisation Mondiale de Commerce (OMC)notamment l'introduction de la réciprocité dans les relations commerciales entre l'Union européenne (UE) et les pays d'Afrique, des Caraïbes et du Pacifique (ACP).La signature de l'Accord de partenariat économique par certains pays ACP, suscite encore à l'heure actuelle des critiques sur les effets de la suppression des préférences commerciales dont dépendent de nombreux pays ACP.
This memorandum is a summary of a 32 page study prepared by O'Connor and Company which sets forth the major legal issues in connection with the WTO legality of the EC's sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) legislation as well as the traceability rules to come into force on 1 January 2005. The legislation concerned consists mainly of traceability requirements, conditions for equivalency of the SPS standards of third countries and mutual recognition agreements. In conclusion, the study suggest that the EC legislation can be assumed to hinder trade, but it is not clear that all aspects of the rules are inconsistent with WTO rules. The study concludes that in order to challenge the traceability rules and those aspects of the SPS rules which are inconsistent with the WTO agreements the ACP group should take advantage of the opportunities offered by the current WTO rules and of a favourable negotiating context (the EPA and Doha negotiations), rather than pursuing WTO dispute settlement.
This study provides early ex-post empirical evidence on the effects of provisionally applied Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) on two-way trade flows between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). Employing the gravity model of trade, we do not find a general EPA effect on total exports from ACP countries to the EU nor on total exports from the EU to ACP countries. We do, however, find heterogeneous effects when focusing on specific agreements and economic sectors. While the agreement between the EU and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM), which concluded several years ahead of the other EPAs in 2008, if anything, reduced imports from the EU overall, the provisional application of the other EPAs seems to have at least partly led to increased imports from the EU to some partner countries. More specifically, the estimation results suggest an increase in the total imports from the EU only in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) EPA partner countries. On the sectoral level, by comparison, we find increases in the EU's agricultural exports to SADC, Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) and the Pacific. Lastly, in the area of manufactures trade, we find decreases of exports of the ESA and SADC countries to the EU, but increases in imports from the EU into SADC countries. While this early assessment of the EPA effects merits attention given the importance of monitoring future implications of these agreements, it is still too early for a final verdict on the EPAs' effects and future research is needed to investigate the mid- and long-term consequences of these agreements.
This study provides early ex-post empirical evidence on the effects of provisionally applied Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) on two-way trade flows between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP). Employing the gravity model of trade, we do not find a general EPA effect on total exports from ACP countries to the EU nor on total exports from the EU to ACP countries. We do, however, find heterogeneous effects when focusing on specific agreements and economic sectors. While the agreement between the EU and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM), which concluded several years ahead of the other EPAs in 2008, if anything, reduced imports from the EU overall, the provisional application of the other EPAs seems to have at least partly led to increased imports from the EU to some partner countries. More specifically, the estimation results suggest an increase in the total imports from the EU only in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) EPA partner countries. On the sectoral level, by comparison, we find increases in the EU's agricultural exports to SADC, Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) and the Pacific. Lastly, in the area of manufactures trade, we find decreases of exports of the ESA and SADC countries to the EU, but increases in imports from the EU into SADC countries. While this early assessment of the EPA effects merits attention given the importance of monitoring future implications of these agreements, it is still too early for a final verdict on the EPAs' effects and future research is needed to investigate the mid- and long-term consequences of these agreements.
All ACP Agricultural Commodities Program, European Commission, ACP Group of States ; Despite losing global market share over the last 20 years, Uganda remains a major coffee producer, accounting for approximately 2.5 percent of global coffee production. In 2008-2009, coffee exports accounted for almost a quarter of Uganda's formal export earnings and were estimated to generate income and employment for up to 1.3 million Ugandan households. As such, the coffee industry is extremely important to both the rural population and the Ugandan economy. However, the sector exhibits significant levels of production volatility, caused in part by unmanaged risks. Despite the occurrence of numerous risks, the sector has always managed to produce significant, albeit variable, volumes of coffee for export, but the historic resilience of the sector does not automatically imply that the industry will avoid longer-term decline if it fails to proactively manage potential risks going forward. The government of Uganda and the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has already implemented a number of initiatives and programs to mitigate some of the above-mentioned risks. However, many of the existing initiatives need to be strengthened, and some new activities added, to ensure insofar as possible the comprehensive management of all key risks facing the coffee supply chain. An in-depth evaluation of individual solutions was beyond the scope of this exercise; an exhaustive listing of potential risk management solutions, and an assessment of the cost-benefit ratio of different risk management options, needs to be undertaken by the government of Uganda and UCDA.
Permanent Mission of the OAU in Brussels. (2001-01). Activity report of the OAU Permanent Office in Brussels from July to December 2000. OAU Permanent Office carried out activities in the economic, political and socio-cultural areas and also in terms of representation activities relating to cooperation between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP).
OAU Permanent Mission in Brussels (1997-01) Contribution to the Activity Report of the Secretary-General for the period July 1996-February 1997. Political matters with the African Group of Ambassadors in Brussels. Twenty-Third Session of the ACP/EU Joint Assembly, Future of ACP/EU Relations, Future relations between South Africa and the EU and their implications for the economies of SADC countries. Consultations with the European Union and Special Ministerial Conference to support the Peace Process in Liberia. Economic Matters, ACP preparatory Seminar to the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), 64th Ordinary Session of the ACP Council of Ministers 13-15 November 1996 in Brussels. Environment, Implemetnation of the Convention to combat Desertification. First Ministerial Session of the Economic and Social committee (ECOSOC) of the African Economic Community. Social Matters, 16th world Congress of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU).
