The European Union was finally able to finalize last week a long-negotiated economic partnership agreement with West Africa, which promises more job opportunities and sustainable economic growth for the region.
However, trade experts argue it may be too early to celebrate.
The EPA deal would allow both regions to fully open its markets to both parties, although under the negotiated terms, West African nations are given the flexibility to fully open their market when they deem they are ready. They are also allowed to keep tariffs or put in place safeguard measures on several "sensitive" agricultural products. The EU has agreed to a "partial and gradual opening of the West African market" and "not to subsidize any of its agricultural exports to West Africa."
About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
