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Press Conference on the implementation of EPA between Five Southern African Countries, including Namibia and the European Union

03.11.2016
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Today, the EU Head of Delegation to Namibia, Jana Hybaskova informed the media about the importance and implications of the entering into force of the EPA Agreement between Namibia and the EU. She explained that on the 10th of October, five southern African countries – Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and the EU started a new chapter in their bilateral relations, with the entry into effect of their Economic Partnership Agreement. This allows for immediate duty- and quota-free access for their exports to the EU market.  Ms Hybaskova explained that the EU Parliament has ratified the Agreement on behalf of other EU Member States on the 14th of September and the agreement is now under provisional implementation.  Furthermore the Agreement has been gazetted on the EU side. She emphasized that it is important that Namibia’s authorities inform exporters and operators about this new trade regime and that the EU is committed to play a facilitating role as well in responding to specific queries.  The Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation, Markus Theobald outlined the benefits Namibia will enjoy under the EPA Agreement.  Namibia can now export 100% of its goods to the EU duty free and quota free, whereas the EU agreed that 86% of its goods can be exported tariff free. Similarly he explained that the agreement has safeguards, such as infant industry protection clauses as well as measures to protect food security for Namibia, should they be required. He also said that although there will be revenue losses, these will be offset by economic gains.  The EU Head of Delegation similarly underlined the regional aspect of the EPA Agreement and how it can boost regional industrialization through increased production and cross-border accumulation.

Category
News clippings - in the press
Location

Windhoek

Editorial sections
Namibia