Rhonda G. Wilson

Private Sector Specialist

EPA Implementation Unit

Background

Signed by 27 EU Member States and 15 CARIFORUM States in October 2008 Came into effect in December 2008 through provisional application. The EPA replaces the trade provisions of the Cotonou Agreement, which was signed in 2000. The CARIFORUM/EU EPA is the first EPA to be completed between Europe and one of the six sub-regions of the ACP.

CARIFORUM-EU EPA • Most comprehensive and far reaching international

trade agreement signed by CARIFORUM countries • Trade in goods, agriculture, fisheries; trade in services,

investment & trade related issues: (competition, innovation, IP, personal data protection & public procurement)

• The inclusion of these areas is beyond what is required under Art. XXIV of the GATT.

CARIFORUM-EU EPA A reciprocal preferential trade arrangement

Market access arrangements provide for immediate duty free and quota free entry of goods originating in CARIFORUM States

These originating goods must meet the qualifying rules of origin which can be found in Protocol 1 of the Agreement

Rules of Origin permit cumulation (Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela, etc)

EPA : An Update CARIFORUM

Antigua and Barbuda

Belize

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Guyana

European Union Denmark

Finland

Greece

Italy

Lithuania

Malta

Slovakia

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom

Tariff Liberalization (Jan 01, 2011) Belize

Dominican Republic

Grenada

Guyana

St. Kitts and Nevis

Suriname

Expected benefits of the EPA Expand and improve CARIFORUM’s industries

and economic growth by enabling CARIFORUM States to develop exports in services and a wider range of goods in which they have a competitive advantage.

Increase employment and business opportunities. Improve CARIFORUM’s access to European

technology and technical “know how.” Increase competition within CARIFORUM and so

improve efficiency in production processes

EPA Implementation Obligations which the CARIFORUM governments

have assumed as Parties to the Agreement (required legislative & policy actions)

Opportunities for improving the competitiveness of economic operators

Increased and enhanced market access for regional exports

EPA Challenges to date Information deficit by both public and private sectors

on the EPA

Slow and uneven pace of EPA implementation among CARIFORUM countries

Limited development assistance

Lack of established links with BSOs in Europe

Lack of current information on market opportunities in Europe

Some products for export: Condiments

Snack foods

Fruit

Vegetables

Fish

Fishery products

Are comprised of the following:

advertising architecture art and

antiques computer

games

crafts design designer fashion

film and video

music performing

arts publishing software

TV and radio.

Creative Industries:

Entertainment Industry Music industry (incl.

recording, live performance & music publishing)

Film & television industry

Book and magazine publishing industry

Visual arts

Festivals and cultural tourism

Fashion and glamour industry

Collective management of copyright and related rights.

EPA Opportunities: Tourism

Entertainment

Health and Wellness

Fashion

Professional services

Question?

What can our companies be world class at?

Some world class products/brands: Angostura aromatic

bitters

Blue Mountain Coffee

El Dorado Rums

Cigars (La Aurora, Arturo Fuente, etc)

Cocoa

Oscar de la Renta

Bob Marley

Conclusion

The Economic Partnership Agreement provides access to the European market for CARIFORUM goods and services. The challenge is ours to be competitive in that market.

THANK YOU