NUNW wary of EU trade deal

THE slashing of import tariffs for goods from Europe under the new duty-free and quota-free trade to start on January 1 between 78 developing countries and the European Union could have an adverse effect on Namibia, a labour union has warned.

“Increased trade liberalisation will pose a real threat to industrialisation for poorer nations like Namibia,” said Evilastus Kaaronda, Secretary General of the National Union of Namibian Workers (NUNW). “Government must seek real and stronger solidarity with other developing nations and vehemently reject wholesale trade liberalisation and the ludicrous demand for ‘most favoured nation (MFN)’ treatment for the EU in all future trade agreements with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and any third parties,” Kaaronda told reporters on Friday.From next month, 78 developing countries, including Namibia, will have duty-free and quota-free access to the 27 EU member states, but they must open their markets to EU goods at the same level.Some goods, such as sugar and rice, will still enjoy some protection but these protections will be gradually liberated over a 15-year period.”While we welcome (last week’s) decision of Government to initial the interim economic partnership agreement (EPA) with the EU, we call on it to broadly consult all affected stakeholders now and during the 2008 negotiations to build a strategy that is representative of the diverse interests in these areas.”Kaaronda complained that an attempt by NUNW to discuss its concerns with the Ministry of Trade and Industry was fruitless.”We sent a letter to the Minister requesting a meeting, but the letter was never answered and no date set,” Kaaronda said at the press briefing.He said that Africa’s labour movements, which were united under a continental umbrella body, would send a position paper to the Commission of the African Union before the EPA talks start next year.”Government must seek real and stronger solidarity with other developing nations and vehemently reject wholesale trade liberalisation and the ludicrous demand for ‘most favoured nation (MFN)’ treatment for the EU in all future trade agreements with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and any third parties,” Kaaronda told reporters on Friday.From next month, 78 developing countries, including Namibia, will have duty-free and quota-free access to the 27 EU member states, but they must open their markets to EU goods at the same level.Some goods, such as sugar and rice, will still enjoy some protection but these protections will be gradually liberated over a 15-year period.”While we welcome (last week’s) decision of Government to initial the interim economic partnership agreement (EPA) with the EU, we call on it to broadly consult all affected stakeholders now and during the 2008 negotiations to build a strategy that is representative of the diverse interests in these areas.”Kaaronda complained that an attempt by NUNW to discuss its concerns with the Ministry of Trade and Industry was fruitless.”We sent a letter to the Minister requesting a meeting, but the letter was never answered and no date set,” Kaaronda said at the press briefing.He said that Africa’s labour movements, which were united under a continental umbrella body, would send a position paper to the Commission of the African Union before the EPA talks start next year.