AFRICA - Temporary trade agreement signed between European Union and Community of East African Countries

Kampala (Agenzia Fides)- A temporary trade agreement has been reached between the European Union and the Community of East African Countries which includes Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. The new agreement signed in Kampala (Uganda), will come into force on the 1st of January 2008 to replace a preferential regime granted by the European Union to goods from what are called ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific). The World Trade Organisation decided that this regime was not in keeping with international trade regulations. The European Union and African countries are now negotiating to reach an agreement which will meet the needs of the African nations, whose economy would be destroyed by unchecked liberalisation of imports, without violating WTO regulations (see Fides 26/9/2007 ).
This accord with East African countries is only a partial understanding which does not involve the whole continent. The agreements are temporary and apply only to goods, not services. As from January 1, the products of these five African countries, except for rice and sugar, may circulate freely in the European Union. In exchange the five countries of east Africa have agreed to open 80% of their markets to European goods within a period of 15 years.
On November 23, four countries of southern Africa - Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland - came to a similar understanding which however Namibia, Angola and especially South Africa refused to sign. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 28/11/2007 righe 20 parole 223)