EU and Caribbean Launch Negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreement
The European Union has opened negotiations today for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and 16 Caribbean countries.

Meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, the EU Commissioners for Trade and Development and their Caribbean colleagues launched negotiations aimed at promoting trade and development by concluding a region-to-region agreement. By opening up trade between both regions and setting up clear rules for trade, the EPA will also contribute to the economic integration of the Caribbean.

Before travelling to Jamaica, EU Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy said: "The EU has a long-standing relationship with the Caribbean. With the launch of these negotiations we are opening a new chapter between our regions. Tearing down barriers to trade among Caribbean countries is the necessary complement to the almost full access to the EU market already enjoyed by these countries. As a result, the region will come out stronger and EU-Caribbean relations will be boosted."

The launch was hosted by the Government of Jamaica. Prime Minister Percival Patterson and the Commissioners delivered keynote speeches at the opening ceremony, which was followed by a first negotiating session during which a roadmap of the way ahead was drawn up through a joint work programme and calendar for the negotiations. It has been agreed that negotiations will be concluded no later than the end of 2007.