EPA Review Annex Documents - DFID

In line with the negotiating process itself, this analysis is undertaken for each ACP region
individually to begin with, before coming up with suggestions on how to improve services
negotiations for the countries as a whole.
2. Taking stock of services negotiations in the interim EPAs
It is useful to state at the outset that apropos to services negotiations, ACP countries have
been interested in improving access into the EU market especially with respect to Mode 4 or
the movement of natural persons, to develop an effective implementation of GATS Article 4
and to improve access to distribution channels and information networks. The EU, on the
other hand, has not been willing to negotiate substantially on Mode 4. Tables 1 and 2
compare the treatment of services and specific provisions across the EPAs.
Table 1 Comparing treatment of services in the EPAs
EPA Region Provisions related to services Comment on
Ghana, Cote
d’Ivoire
Formulate and implement regional policies and build
regional capacity.
Central Africa Reaffirm respective commitments under GATS.
Liberalisation of “current payments” and “movements
of capital relating to investments.”
ESA Cooperation to support trade in services including
financial services, tourism, infrastructure, energy, ICT,
water resources and environment. Rendez-vous
clause.
SADC Cooperation in removing supply side constraints and
developing and enhancing services trade; second
stage of negotiations – Botswana, Lesotho,
Mozambique, Swaziland; liberalisation schedule for
one service sector; standstill a la GATS V (1) (b) (ii)
for all services; progressive liberalization within three
years of full EPA; EC capacity building to support
SADC regulatory framework.
189
process
Agreement on
services but no
explicit
commitments
No explicit
commitments in
services
Problem with
including
investment in
services
negotiations.
Services generated
friction in the
negotiating
process. 128
EAC Slow pace of
services
negotiations
Pacific No provisions Nothing on services
CARIFORUM Comprehensive coverage of services Significantly
advanced
128 South Africa was reluctant to negotiate broadly.