1. Overview of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
By Adam Wisniewski
Regional Trade Manager
EU Delegation

2. Overview What is an EPA? Why an EPA? The CARIFORUM – EU EPA
Core elements of the EPA
Ownership of the EPA
EPA Implementation

3. What is an EPA?
A new Trade agreement b/w the EU and Caribbean countries
Replacement of Cotonou trade arrangements
Asymmetrical trade liberalization
Promotes RI & gradual integration of Caribbean countries in global economy
A sustainable development partnership

4. Why an EPA? No positive results with Lomé preferences
ACP trade preferences incompatible with WTO (non-reciprocity) rules

5. The CARIFORUM – EU EPA Asymmetric opening of trade
The Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause
Regional Preference
Development Cooperation

6. Core elements of the EPA
Trade in Goods
Investment, Trade in Services, E-commerce
Trade-related Issues

7. Core elements of the EPA: I. Trade in Goods
Customs duties
Trade Defence Instruments
Rules of origin
Customs and Trade Facilitation
Agriculture and Fisheries
Technical barriers to trade (TBT) measures
Sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) measures

8. Core elements of the EPA: II. Trade in Services
Access to EU mkts. for tourist guides, chefs, fashion models, entertainers/ performers, artists, other service providers
Up to 1 yr. experience in the EU for mgt. trainees from affiliated companies
Skilled CARIFORUM self-employed provide services in the EU for 6 mths. at a time
Protocol on cultural cooperation
Regulatory framework for mutual recognition of qualifications, licenses etc.
MA provision for investment

9. Core elements of the EPA: III. Trade Related Issues
Competition
Innovation and Intellectual Property
Public Procurement
Protection of personal data

10. Ownership of the EPA
The Government negotiated the EPA as part of CARIFORUM
They are also responsible for certain parts of implementation
However the responsibility is on the private sector to USE the EPA!

11. EPA Implementation T&T has not yet ratified the Agreement
T&T has implemented the tariff cuts due in 2011, 2013 and 2015

12. Regional Trade Affairs Manager
Thank you!
Adam Wisniewski
Regional Trade Affairs Manager