SUVA, Fiji Islands (September 30, 2002 - PINA Nius Online)---Major trade partnership negotiations, which have just opened in Brussels, are part of wider efforts to improve living conditions of Pacific Islanders, a European official said in Suva.
They are also intended to help the Pacific Islands as a region benefit from integration into world markets, said Maria Ralha, of the Delegation of the European Commission for the Pacific.
Ms. Ralha, Counselor - Economics at the Suva-based delegation, was commenting on the African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP)-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations.
These began with formal ceremonies in Brussels on Friday, and are due to be completed within seven years. They are a key component of the Cotonou Agreement, which continues the major aid, trade, and development partnership between the EU and the ACP group.
Ms. Ralha, commenting on differences between the new Cotonou Agreement and the former Lomé...