Text of presentation at UNIFEM Expert Group Meeting on ‘Gender and the EPA’, Port of Spain, July 27, 2008
The European Union’s (EU) economic size, measured by its gross domestic product (GDP), is 400 times that of CARICOM, and its average national income seven times greater. Its labor productivity (value of output per worker) is about 5 times that of CARICOM, and its productivity growth is about 2 to 3 times greater. Negotiation with this 800-pound gorilla can in no sense be described as one of between-equals. We must therefore first of all recognize ourselves for what we are- small, weak and vulnerable. And thus we must do the best we can to safeguard our interests; strengthen solidarity with our ACP partners; and develop strategic alliances with sympathetic interests. Reliance on the “good faith” and “honor” of any gorilla is misplaced and stupid…
