The Pacific will make a regional approach to the European Union in relation to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Attorney General and Minister for Trade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the Pacific officials will meet with the EU officials in Brussels and this is when the hard work begins in relation to the Economic Partnership Agreement.
Sayed-Khaiyum said there were some in depth discussions over the last few days including the partnership agreement.
The Economic Partnership Agreement are trade and development agreements negotiated between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific regions engaged in a regional economic integration process.
The EU concluded an Interim Partnership Agreement with Papua New Guinea and Fiji in 2007.
The agreement was ratified by the European Parliament in January 2011 and by PNG in May 2011.
Fiji is yet to implement the agreement and has access to the EU under the Market Access Regulation.
The EU is currently negotiating a comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with all fourteen countries in the region.
Sayed-Khaiyum earlier said Fiji will not be party to an Agreement with the EU that may provide Fiji with short term market access but have a long term negative impact on our development aspiration as a nation and our ability to have control over our resources and economies.
Story by: Akuila Cama
Feature
Pacific to make regional approach for EPA
