GRAIN 21/08/08
The European Union (EU) is negotiating a veritable epidemic of “Association Agreements” or “Cooperation Agreements” throughout the world. In addition to the almost 30 agreements already signed, the EU is currently negotiating, or about to begin negotiating, further agreements with more than 40 countries. [Click here for Full article
Implications of the EPA for the CSME
A critical assessment of the compatibility of the CARIFORUM-EC EPA with the proposed Caricom Single Market and Economy—CSME. Discuses cross-cutting compatibility issues: development strategy and the role of regional integration, policy space and governance; and sectoral compatibility issues relate to trade in goods, services and trade-related issues. Concludes that the CSME, a project for the creation/strengthening of the regional economy for engagement with globalisation; will be superseded by the EPA, which involves a high degree of bilateral integration of individual Cariforum countries with Europe in trade, investment and regulatory policies. Suggests how the EPA could be modified to resolve the dilemma and to increase its effectiveness as an instrument of development and regional integration.
Declaration Signed by the leaders of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia on political and economic integration on August 14, 2008
Click here for Joint Declaration on the Single Economy and Political Integration by Four Caricom States
