Trade-related technical assistance

The EU is committed to helping partner countries integrate into the world’s trading system and to share the benefits of the global economy. The EU believes that international trade is integral to sustained economic growth and development. However, many less well-off nations need a helping hand if they are to reap the benefits of trade liberalisation.

The European Commission believes that partner countries need to make trade a high priority in their development strategies and tackle existing structural problems in their economies which can hamper business activity. For example, high transport costs, slow customs and inefficient financial systems could be barriers to trading effectively in today’s fast-paced global market.

The EU has articulated in 2012 a Trade, growth and development Tailoring trade and investment policy for those countries most in need.

Programmes and projects that help partner countries benefit from trade include in particular trade-related assistance (TRA). Trade related assistance (TRA) for the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries is provided under the 10th European Development Fund. TRA to the ACP is provided at three different and complementary levels:

  • All-ACP level Facilities

At All-ACP level, facilities cover mostly short term needs or needs in specific trade related areas (e.g. sanitary and phytosanitary requirements). These facilities are accessible to all ACP countries and regional institutions upon submission of requests. Total amount: €150M.

  • Regional level

The bulk of the TRA support is provided under regional indicative programmes in line with the ACP EU priority attached to regional integration.

  • Within this envelope, our support to the private sector and to the implementation of the EPA amounts to € 138.400.000:

Regional programmes

Amount (EUR)

Economic Integration and Trade of the OECS Region

8.600.000

Strengthening Development of SMEs in Caribbean OCTs

15.000.000

Regional Private Sector Development Regional

28.300.000

Support to the Implementation of the EPA

46.500.000

Caribbean Investment Facility

40.000.000

TOTAL

138.400.000

  • National level

Programmes launched since signature of EPA in Jamaica (2008)

Amount (EUR)

Support to the Banana Industry (SFAs) since 2008

2.525.000[1]

Support to the Reform of the Sugar Industry since 2008

34.420.000[2]

EPA capacity Building (EPA-I)

2.250.000

TOTAL

39.195.000

  • Since the signature of the EPA, funds made available under different programmes amounts to more than €39.000.000[3]. In addition, other programmes have supported reforms to address the issues of public debt and security, therefore favouring access to credit, a more stable and a more secure environment for business and investments. The same holds true for our interventions in crime volatile communities and for our agricultural programmes.
  • Pipeline: In 2013 only, the EU plans to commit €37.000.000 in support related to our EPA commitments (EPA-II and Support to the Sugar Reform).

Link:

How to benefit from EPA April 2011.pdf

[1] The figure includes only funds under the programmes that were launched in 2008 and later. It does not include disbursements even though made after 2008 but based on the Banana Industry Support programmes launched prior to 2008. Apart from €2.525 million, €4.7 million will be contracted during 2013.

[2] The figure includes funds of both sector and general budget support under the programmes launched in 2008 and later. It does not include; a) funds that were not disbursed because the macroeconomic as well as the public finance management criteria were not met (€1.2 million in 2009 and €20.796 million in 2010) and b) also it does not include disbursements made after 2008 on a basis of programmes launched prior to 2008. Neither it includes already committed AMS 2011 funds of €30.953 million, nor the programmed (but not yet committed) 2013 AMS funds worth €30.953 million.

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