2008年-世界发展银行全球_Africa___Economic_Partnership_Agreements_between_Africa_and_the_European_Union_What_to_do_Now__Summary_Report_78页_714kb

Summary of Report No. 45945-AFR: Economic Partnership Agreements between Africa and the European Union

Core Content

This report, published by the World Bank in October 2008, evaluates the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between Africa and the European Union (EU) from a development perspective. It focuses on the implementation of interim EPAs, the potential role of full EPAs in promoting regional integration, and the challenges and opportunities they present for African economies.

Main Points

1. Interim EPAs and Their Implementation

• In November-December 2007, the EU and 18 African countries initiated interim EPAs, replacing the Cotonou Agreement trade preferences.
• These agreements provide for reciprocal liberalization of merchandise trade and include non-binding rendezvous clauses for future full EPAs.
• Interim EPAs are actually permanent and will govern trade between the signatories and the EU unless replaced by another trade agreement.
• There is uneven participation in interim EPAs: 10 out of 14 non-LDCs and 15 out of 23 countries in eastern and southern Africa have signed, while only 8 out of 33 LDCs and 3 out of 24 in western and central Africa have done so.

2. EU's Tariff Preferences

• The EU is the largest single market for Africa’s non-oil exports, accounting for 51% of total imports in 2006.
• Interim EPAs offer tariff-free, quota-free access for 100% of imports from EPA-signatories, with some exceptions for rice, sugar, and clothing.
• The EU’s EBA program provides tariff-free, quota-free access for all LDCs, while GSP applies to non-LDCs not in EPAs.
• South Africa has a separate free trade agreement with the EU.

3. Rules of Origin and Market Access

• The current rules of origin under EPAs are restrictive and limit the benefits of preferential access.
• To enhance market access, the report recommends simpler and more standardized rules, such as a 10% value-added rule or HS 6-digit level changes.
• The elimination of 80–85% of EU imports under EPAs is expected to occur over a 10–15 year period, but this leads to limited and selective market opening.

4. Liberalization and Reforms

• To avoid negative trade diversion and distortions, signatories must implement parallel reductions in MFN tariffs.
• Three key reforms are suggested: elimination of quantitative restrictions and discriminatory taxes, phased reduction of MFN tariffs to lower the maximum rate to 15% or less, and lowering MFN tariffs on products that will be imported duty-free to 5% or less.
• These reforms aim to reduce trade distortions and increase competitiveness.

5. Supply Constraints and Competitiveness

• Limited supply capacity and competitiveness problems in African countries hinder the growth of exports under EPAs.
• The report highlights the need for domestic reforms to improve the investment climate, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.
• Africa ranks poorly in global competitiveness and business climate indices, which increases the cost of doing business and reduces productivity.

6. Complementary Reforms

• The report emphasizes the importance of country-specific reform programs to address supply-side constraints.
• These reforms include trade, fiscal, regulatory, and institutional changes to improve the business environment and increase investment.
• The implementation of these reforms is crucial to realizing the potential of EPAs.

7. Development Assistance

• Development assistance can support adjustment costs, offset revenue losses, and help implement trade and business climate reforms.
• Countries that actively implement EPAs and related reforms may receive additional aid and aid for trade from donors.

8. Full EPAs and Regional Integration

• Full EPAs aim to promote regional integration in Africa, which is a key political and economic objective.
• The report discusses the implications of current EPAs on regional trade integration and highlights the need for coordinated efforts among regional trade areas (RTAs).
• EAC has shown progress in regional EPA negotiations, while Western and Central Africa have shown less interest.

9. Constraints to Intra-African Trade

• Intra-African trade is low, with average levels of only 6.9% in 2006.
• Policy and institutional barriers, including non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and differing regional trade areas, hinder trade within Africa.
• Low trade complementarity due to similar export structures and production capacities further limits intra-African trade growth.

Key Information

• Interim EPAs: Provide reciprocal trade liberalization, with a focus on merchandise trade, and include non-binding clauses for future full EPAs.
• Rules of Origin: A major constraint to market access, requiring simplification and standardization.
• MFN Tariff Reductions: Necessary to avoid trade distortions and support a strong supply response.
• Regional Integration: The report highlights the importance of regional cooperation, with EAC leading in this area.
• Development Assistance: Can play a supportive role in reforming trade policies and improving infrastructure.
• Intra-African Trade: Remains low due to structural and policy constraints, limiting the benefits of trade liberalization.

Conclusion

The report concludes that the EPA process presents an opportunity to accelerate trade-related reforms in Africa. However, for these reforms to be effective, countries must implement complementary measures to improve competitiveness and address supply-side constraints. The success of the EPA process depends on both the EU and African countries taking proactive steps to reform their trade policies and support regional integration.