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to the United Nations - New York
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The Bahamas has been part of a number of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) – European Union (EU) partnership agreements. This started in 1975 when it signed the first of four Lomé Conventions and continued with the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, the so-called Cotonou Agreement .
As a member of the CARICOM and the CARIFORUM Group of Countries, the Bahamas is part of the CARIFORUM - European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
The Bahamas also participates in the EU-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) summits that take place every other a year.
Trade between the Bahamas and the EU has been rising.
Exports to the EU are mostly duty free quota free as a result of the CARIFORUM – EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that was signed in October 2008.
The Country Strategy Paper for the Bahamas (2008 – 2013) is the backbone for cooperation between the EU and the Bahamas under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).
Many projects focus on capacity development for the outer islands to improve infrastructure and to boost economic activity with the island’s improved market access.
Other projects look at governance, human rights, gender and the environment.
Thanks to these funds, there are many ongoing development projects across the Islands.
Through its European Consensus on Development it is clear that the EU is encouraging all parts of society to play an active part in shaping the futures of their countries.
Consultations involving NGOs, residents and government officials are regularly held when selecting projects that will receive EU funding.