Deal set, Fiji to trade EU markets

 THE European commission last Friday said the interim economic partnership agreement (EPA) between the European Union and Fiji is ready for implementation.

The EPA provides for free access into the EU for all products from the countries concerned.

In the Pacific, Papua New Guinea has already ratified this agreement and implementation is on-going.

An EU spokesperson for trade said: “Fiji’s decision to apply the interim economic partnership agreement is a very significant step in our relationship. This agreement is a true partnership for trade and development. 

“The EPA is one of our main tools to assist developing countries, such as Fiji, on their path to economic growth and diversification of their economies.”

The agreement provides for duty-free quota-free market access into the EU for all exports originating from Fiji and Papua New Guinea. 

Fiji will gradually open its market to European exports over a transitional period until 2023, with the exception of some agricultural and industrial sensitive products. In addition, the agreement contains provisions on trade defence instruments, dispute settlement and sustainable development principles.