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{
    "id": 148722,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/148722/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 482,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "at. I think mere promises are not good enough. There should be a firm written commitment from the European side, so that we can ensure that what they are saying is true. Otherwise, we should negotiate first before we initial. Some of the problems of the imbalances are that EPAS is supposed to look at what they call the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Rules Compatibility. It is very apparent that some of these compatibility clauses with the WTO, sometimes it depends on who is saying it is compatible or not compatible. What the developed countries would call compatible, the ACP counties may not think so. One of the apparent imbalances in the provision that the parties should look at in respect of WTO dictation is the silent issue of the ACP countries rights in the WTO. The EPAS as drafted today wrote most rights under WTO. For example, if the interim EPAS had taken on board the levels of development the least developed countries would have been afforded the opportunity to open up their trade in fewer products than they are being forced to do under the EPAS. After all, the WTO at its meeting in Hong Kong, did agree to grant least developed countries duty free access without reciprocation. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in our own region, the imbalances come out more glaringly, especially after the meeting in Kampala where the leaders of the East African Community, SADC and COMESA approved an expeditious establishment of a common free trade area with the ultimate goal of establishing a single customs union. The summit further did direct the three regional communities to co-ordinate and harmonise their position on EPAS. You will find that the East African countries and some of the SADC countries have initialed while others have not. So, until all these things have been harmonized, one would wish to see that our Government gets it very clear and right and also brings it to Parliament, so that we discuss and look the imbalances that we are referring to. In terms of regional and economic integration, one would wish to see that EPAS ensures actual integration. In our own region, we have been split into the East African Community, ESA, COMESA and SADC. In the end, we are not working towards integration at all, but in fact, disintegrating. There are many issues within the EPAS and I think the Minister should bring a paper on EPAS in the House, so that we can debate fully on the pros and cons before we finally initial. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, I just want to conclude by saying that working within the ACP-EU umbrella, there are many issues that we can benefit from. I would like to see that Parliament takes seriously, the reports that we lay on the Table here, so that we can benefit more effectively within the ACP-EU. With those few remarks, I beg to second."
}