EPA Review Annex Documents - DFID

was been little impact on revenue resources because of the EPA implementation. This
contrasts with the important fiscal reform and institutional changes required after
negotiation the DR-CAFTA in 2005.
c. Interview results
Interviews were conducted in three levels: public official, private business leaders, and
independent consultants. Overall there is a very positive perception regarding the
outcome of the negotiations.
The specific results of some of the responses are presented in different sections of this
case study. The sections focus primarily on the administrative arrangements and
resources allocated during the negotiations, as well as the challenges of the process that
required negotiating on a regional level, through a regional body.
On the annex of this report is the list of persons interviewed, with the name of the
institutions that they represent.
6. Analysis of cost and benefits from EPAs
a. Primary Results
From a defensive point of view, the EPA with the commitments to exclude key sensitive
production from trade liberalisation, and achieving a long phase off schedules, ranging
from 15 to 25 years, represented an important asset for the DR. The EPA represented a
new presence in a trade agreement. This assisted in socialising the results with civil
society, primarily to the business sector, both in agricultural and industrial sub-sectors.
From an offensive perspective, DR exporters obtained duty free quota free access to the
EU market on immediate bases, with some exceptions for rice and sugar. Furthermore,
it improved market access in apparel, due to the flexibilities in the rules of origin. For the
DR, apparel exports have been historically important. Also, they gained access for
exporting sugar, this was important as the DR was excluded from the former Sugar
Protocol since becoming a member in the Lome Convention.
With regards to goods, the DR achieved a very satisfying balance, obtaining access to
the EU market, while protecting domestic sensitivities. In services it also obtained
additional market access.
As a complement, the EPA with its “regional preference” clause has the potential of
strengthening regional integration among CARIFORUM countries in areas of goods and
services.
After signature of the EPA in October 2008, ratification by the Dominican Congress was
done at record pace. Both chambers ratified the agreement in less than a week,
promulgated by the President days after. The whole process took two weeks. The
different chambers of businesses, including the CONEP requested to congressional
leaders the prompt ratification of the EPA agreement. 126 This broad support at the
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