EAC states to build new economic partnerships

The non-reciprocal trading arrangement was based on a WTO waiver, granted at the 4th ministerial conference in Doha in November 2001 which was set to expire at the end of 2007 on the assumption that it would not be necessary after that.

But despite this preferential treatment, the ACP states were hampered by a narrow export product range and other challenges.

Their share of total EU imports fell steadily over the years.

To remedy the situation, the two regional blocs sought to negotiate an alternative trade agreement that took not only north-south trading opportunities into account, but factored in south-south trading and regional co-operation as well.

This shift took place against the backdrop of increased pressure from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to move away from non-reciprocal trade.