Pacific trade ministers discuss EU trade deal
20/10/2008 16:31
The Pacific trade ministers met today in the Fijian resort of Nadi to
discuss a deal that will shape trading relations with the European Union (EU)
for decades to come.
The talks involve negotiations for a new Economic
Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union, the Fijian website
reported.
Last week, the Caribbean leaders meeting in Barbados signed their
own EPA with the EU, amidst much criticism.
During meetings held in Brussels
last month, the EU refused to discuss areas of interest to the Pacific such as
providing strong infant industry protection in the EPA until the Pacific agreed
to begin negotiations on services and investment.
The EU is negotiating with
76 nations across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (the ACP) all at
once.
Xinhua
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