WORKSHOP NATIONAL NON-STATE ACTORS ON THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT CONGAD ENDA SYSPRO II EUROPEAN COMMISSION
NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON NON-ACTORS STATE ON THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
(EPA) CESAG, 06 and July 7, 2004
GENERAL REPORT CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE WORKSHOP 1
AGENDA OF THE WORKSHOP 7
PARTICIPATION 10
COURSE COMMUNICATIONS 15 10
REFUNDS RESULTS WORKSHOP 23
PLENARY FINAL 31
APPENDIX 1: COMMUNICATION
ANNEX 2: LIST OF ATTENDANCE
I-INTRODUCTION
The 06 and 07 July 2004, held in Dakar, CESAG National Workshop on Non-State Actors in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The EPA is the main instrument of the agreement of economic and commercial cooperation signed in Cotonou in 2000 between the ACP (Africa-Caribbean-Pacific). The EPA in 2008 to replace the trade preferences not Given by the reciprocal Lomé agreements.
The consultation, organized jointly by CONGAD (Council of Non Governmental Development Support), ENDA SYSPRO II and the Delegation of the European Commission, is part of promoting the participation of Non State Actors as embodied in Article 4 of the Cotonou Agreement.
II - TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL WORKSHOP
NON-STATE ACTORS ON THE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (EPA) UNDER COTONOU 2000
2.1 - BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE
The signing in 2000 of Cooperation Agreement EU / ACP Cotonou driven dynamics of national, subregional and regional consultations. Discussions have been initiated for the design and ratification of a partnership that will govern the EU / ACP relations over the next twenty years. In this context, the development of National Indicative Programmes (NIP) for the 9th EDF and the negotiation of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) were launched. These processes challenge both governments, civil society.
The involvement of NSAs in the implementation of Cotonou 2000, which is enshrined in Article 4 thereof, appears as a necessity. Because of shortcomings in the trading strategies of African states, the contribution of non-state actors is a means of regulating and strengthening the capacities of African negotiators. It allows to advocate for the care of the interests of African people in particular through the upgrading of production equipment and other support measures in the energy, communications, infrastructure.
The economic partnership agreements will affect tax revenues of African states but also on their different economic sectors. A strong mobilization is essential to conclude subregional agreements that preserve the interests of the continent.
Facing the European Union, which expands, strengthens and speak with one voice, the dispersion limits the negotiating capacity of African countries. Individually, our countries can not get the same concessions as those made in Australia with the EU signed in 2004 an EPA excluding sugar cane, which is an agricultural strategy for the economy.
Delays in starting the reported activities of the Committee of States, which did met only once since its inception, should not only raise concerns. They call for bold initiatives from civil society for a wide participatory process. Non-State Actors must be both sentinels and scouts to commitments ensuring the needs of African development. The constitution of platforms subregional Non-State Actors involved in the construction of synergies. It helps to organize and mobilize the skills and non-state to strengthen the negotiating capacity of the continent.
In West Africa, the ECOWAS secretariat has been mandated to negotiate on behalf of its member states. It will benefit from the expertise of the UEMOA. These two sub-regional organizations have signed an agreement in Abuja for the establishment of a joint secretariat for the coordination and harmonization of their programs. This agreement allowed the adoption of common positions for negotiations with development partners. It marks a major step in deepening the integration and consolidation of the negotiation skills of the entire sub-region. However, the participation of non-state actors remains critical. Their skills distinctions must be drawn upon to develop arguments and relevant and effective counterweight to the expertise of the European Union.
The contribution of Non-State Actors in the company of conflicting interests must be part of a dynamic articulating the mandate of the platform sub-regional to national processes driven by national platforms. The establishment of these national bodies, strengthening their capacities and their full involvement in the development of common positions based on the capitalization of experiences and studies is necessary.
This is what gives legitimacy to the platform sub-regional and ensures proper handling of the aspirations of communities in West Africa. Organizing a national seminar on the EPA meets this requirement.
2.2 - OBJECTIVES
Build the capacity of the national platform by EPA identification and ownership issues;
Establish a National Committee to elaborate the positions of civil society and develop a workplan for this group;
Elaborate terms of reference for consultants responsible for conducting sector studies on which the National Committee will use to develop the positions of Non-State Actors on the EPA.
2.3 - THEMES OF THE WORKSHOP
2.3.1 - General Theme
Contribution of Non-State Actors in the development of West African common positions for the signing of an EPA with the EU.
2.3.2 - Specific topics
The economic and fiscal implications of the integration process in West Africa;
The instruments of the Cotonou Agreement: Economic Partnership Agreement;
The benefits of an Economic Partnership Agreement sub-regional
Industrial
EPA African Trade with the EU
The EU agricultural subsidies and trade EU / ACP
Quality Standards and exports of agricultural products;
Food security and trade;
Mechanisms of compensation for loss of tax revenue;
Non-agricultural products with high labor intensity.
2.4 - OUTLOOK
Organize a National Seminar Validation of the positions of Non-State Actors on the EPA;
Participation of National Platform for negotiations conducted by the Ministry of Commerce.
Defining a mandate to the representatives of the EPA National Platform in the Platform subregional
2.5 - METHODOLOGY
Broad participation of Non State Actors will be sought. In order to build synergies for an overview and better negotiating skills, the different dynamics on national economic partnerships will be supported. Organizations that have driven or wearing them will be fully involved.
Upgrading expected the plenary, which will be devoted to thematic communications, will facilitate the organization of workshops that will, on the basis of terms of reference articulating questions, make suggestions and identify research topics for consultants for the formulation of positions by the National Committee of Non-State Actors on the EPA.
2.6 -
ACTIVITIES The activities will address the following issues:
2.6.1 During the preparatory phase:
Working Session with Enda Syspro II
Identification of state institutions and non-state actors States with experience in relevant subject;
Identification of resource persons for the establishment of a scientific committee;
Literature;
Development of terms of reference for the communications and workshops;
Call communications;
Validation of communications by the Scientific Committee;
Launch of invitations
The media
2.6.2 During the workshop
Reception and registration of participants
Organizing ceremony Opening
The recall targets plenary
The organization of the plenary
The organization of workshops
The restitution of works of workshops
Validation workshop reports
The definition of terms reference for consultants and the National Committee responsible for developing national positions
The presentation of a summary report at the closing ceremony.
.
2.6.3 After the workshop:
The publication and distribution of the general report of the workshop ;
The organization of the activities of the National Committee with the establishment of a Secretariat;
The development of terms of reference for the national validation workshop of national positions on the EPA;
Preparing validation workshop of national positions on the EPA;
2.7 - RULES OF ORGANIZATION
2.7.1 - Period: 6 to 7 July 2004
2.7.2 - Participants:
NGOs / CBOs
- Producer organizations ( rural farmers and fishermen)
- Platform of Non-State Actors for the 9th EDF
- Platform Actors Non-State
on Trade - Private sector organizations and consumer organizations
- Trade unions
- Media
2.7.3 - Location: CESAG - Dakar.
2.8 - EXPECTED RESULTS
The workshops are relevant proposals to guide the National Committee for the Preparation of the positions of Non-State Actors on the EPA;
The National Committee to develop positions on EPA s is on foot and has terms of reference approved by the EPA national platform;
The National Committee for Development positions on the EPA is working in good conditions assisted by a Technical Secretariat;
The date of the validation workshop of national fixed joint positions;
The report of the workshop on the EPA is validated, published and widely disseminated;
A dynamic animation of the EPA National Platform is launched;
The capacity of the National Platform are strengthened;
The National Platform appropriates EPA issues;
The national platform EPA participates in negotiations conducted by the Ministry Commerce;
Synergies between National Platforms EPA, 9th and Commerce are created.
III AGENDA OF THE WORKSHOP
01.03 Day Tuesday, July 6, 2004
8h 30 - 9h 00: Establishment of participants
9h 00 - 9h 30: Opening Ceremony
President's Address CONGAD
Address Coordinator of ENDA SYSPRO II
Address Resident Representative Frederich Ebert Foundation
Remarks by Representative of the Head of Delegation of the European Commission
Speech Madam Trade Minister, Awa Gueye Kebe
9h 30 - 9h 45: Adjournment-Coffee
Plenary Day Tuesday, July 6, 2004
9h 45 - 10h: Presentation of participants
10h - 10h 20: Communication 1 : The Challenges of an Economic Partnership Agreement between ECOWAS and the European Union: Who
negotiate? Why ECOWAS? How to use the powers of the UEMOA? What mandate for negotiators?
Structuring and NSA involvement at regional and international
Structuring, objectives and functioning of the Forum ACP civil society
By Taoufik Ben Abdallah, ENDA SYSPRO Coordinator II
10h 20 - 10h 35: Discussions
10h 35 - 10h 55: Communication 2: The trade between Senegal and the European Union
By Babacar FALL, Directorate of Forecasting and Statistics
Ministry of Economy and Finance
10h 55 - 11h 15: Paper 3: The effects of EPA on industry and services in the ECOWAS region and Mauritania
By Papa Nalla Fall of the National Council of Employers (CNP)
ECOWAS Region and Mauritania
11h 15 to 11 h 30: Discussions
11h 30 - 11h 50: Paper 4: Impacts of EPAs on agriculture in trade negotiations under the Cotonou Agreement and the WTO
By Babacar NDAO, the Federation of NGOs of Senegal (FONGS)
11h 50 - 12h 10: Discussions
12h 10 - 12h 30: Presentation of objectives and restoration recommendations of the regional workshop in Cotonou (25-27 June 2004) on the participation of Non State Actors of Africa West in the process of dialogues and consultations in the framework of the ACP-EU. Workshop organized by the Frederich Ebert Foundation. By Abdoulaye GAYE
Union Democratic Teachers (UDEN)
12 30-13 pm: Presentation of the terms of reference of workshops and formation of working groups
15h - 17h: Group work
03.02 Day Wednesday, July 7, 2004
9 00 - 10h 30: Continuation of group work
10h 30 - 10h 45: Coffee break
10 h 45-13 h 00: Presentation of the work and recommendations of groups 1 and 2 followed by discussions
13h 00 - 15h 00: LUNCH
15h 00 - 16h: Presentation of the work and recommendations of Group 3 followed by discussions
16h - 17h 00: Writing the summary report
17h 00 - 17h 30: Closing Ceremony
Read the summary report by Mamadou Diouf Mignane, Senegalese Social Forum and Board of Directors of CONGAD
Address Coordinator of ENDA SYSPRO II Taoufik Ben Abdallah
Words of thanks: President CONGAD
Closing Mar Lo, Director of Cabinet of Minister of Social Development, Family and National Solidarity
V - PARTICIPATION
attended the workshop fifty (60) representatives from
Civil society: NGOs, trade union centers, consumer organizations, farmers, professional federations and social groups, women's groups etc..) Came from different regions (Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Saint Louis, Thies and Ziguinchor)
Private Sector Technical Services
The state media
VI - PROCEEDINGS OF THE WORKSHOP
4.1 OPENING CEREMONY The opening ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Awa Gueye Kebe, Minister for Trade, in the presence of:
• Hélène CAVE, Representative of the European Union
• Mr. Babacar Diop, President of CONGAD
• From Board of Directors of CONGAD
• Mr. Malamine TAMBA, Executive Director • Mr. Taoufik CONGAD
Ben.ABDALLAH , Enda Syspro II Coordinator • Mrs. Natan
SECK Coulibaly, Programme Officer at the Friedrich Ebert
In his speech, the president of CONGAD Babacar Diop noted that the explanatory memorandum to the EPA lists the eradication poverty among the general objectives next to the sustainable development of ACP countries and their smooth and gradual integration into the global economy.
Making a parallel with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs, he reversed the conclusions of the National Workshop of Non-State Actors 7 and 8 June 2004, dedicated to this initiative of the United Nations for Development Programme (UNDP). In this context, he recalled one of the key resolutions taken in the presence of Mr. Salil Shetty, Director of the Global Campaign to UNDP.
CSOs, determined to "take all necessary steps to achieve MDGs in the context of the fight against poverty, the PRSP which is considered part of coherence ", had argued that" progress in this area are not measured in terms of economic performance only. "A" these indicators, which do not reflect the experiences of people ", they requested that we add" other to monitor the significant and lasting improvement in the quality of life, especially of vulnerable and destitute. "
Babacar Diop stressed that both the MDGs as the EPA, this is mainly for Actors Non-State, to act "for formulation and implementation of participatory supporting sustainable development needs of African women and Africans." Noting that "trade is not a sufficient condition for laying the foundations for a sustainable development ", he pleaded for a thorough reflection on key issues such as financing for development, improving quality of life, the capacity of production, subsidies to Northern producers, access African products to the European market.
Before discussing the structuring the NSAs, the Chairman of the Board of CONGAD invited the Non-State Actors and African states to ban "any attitude or commitment that could jeopardize the economic future of the continent. For Boubacar DIOP "Cotonou Agreement should not be viewed as a relationship between those who give and those who receive, but rather as" an enterprise of reconciling often divergent economic interests and especially intensive research capabilities, collection and data analysis and negotiations.
In conclusion the Chairman of the Board of Directors CONGAD, which called for the restructuring of the platform about an EPA Secretariat with the establishment of decentralized bodies within the country, stressed that ECOWAS is to develop a sustainable manner , create the conditions for competitive production from investments in priority areas and appropriate regional integration.
Following him, the Coordinator of ENDA SYSPRO II, Taoufik Ben Abdallah described the negotiations at the regional level. Speaking in turn, Ms. Coulibaly's Natan Seck, Programme Officer at the Foundation Friedrich Ebert has reaffirmed his institution's commitment in promoting citizen participation in the formulation and implementation of partnership strategies.
Hélène CAVE, Trade Advisor-Private Sector, the European Commission Delegation in Dakar, meanwhile, highlighted the limits of non-reciprocal trade preferences in effect since 1975 and provide "free access to EU market essentially all products originating in ACP countries ".
According to Ms. Cave, "although it allowed many countries to improve their performance export, to promote their development, and ensuring a market for a number of products, non-reciprocal trade preferences have not achieved all the expected results: they have prevented the CPA or becoming marginalized in world trade, nor to see their share in total imports from the European Union constantly decreasing, or really allow diversification of the major export items. "
Continuing, Ms. Helene Cave observes that" to be secure, trade preferences granted under Lomé and Cotonou have benefited from an exception to WTO rules. However, it is clear that the exemption granted to Doha will not be extended beyond December 2007. "That's why," the ACP and the EU have accepted, "she says, citing the Cotonou Agreement," to conclude new trade agreements consistent with WTO rules , removing progressively barriers to trade between them and enhancing cooperation in all areas related to trade. "
Ms. Cave said the EPA, which "will cover all topics trade, and will be combined with regional integration and development cooperation for the strengthening of supply capacities, will be "negotiated agreements" in contrast to the 'Everything But Arms "which is" a system unilaterally granted by the EU under the Generalised System of Preferences, with its own rules of origin. According to Mrs Helen Cave, "the EPA have the potential to boost trade and investment in a stable and transparent. Describing the dynamics in progress, she cited the Commissioner Pascal Lamy, speaking at Cotonou on 6 October 2003, at the opening of EPA negotiations: "We started by opening up our markets. We will continue by opening your markets you and we will complete the process by opening your markets to our exports, as long as necessary for your development. Without haste, taking our time and pace that we determine together. "
respect to the roadmap, the Representative of the Head of Delegation of the European Commission regrets the delay. "A first roadmap was adopted by ECOWAS ministers last November 17 (2003) on which the EU has proposed amendments. Technical meetings were held in March 2004 and a roadmap has been adopted at the technical level by both parties. The roadmap was subsequently endorsed at the political level by the European Union. Unfortunately, this roadmap should be discussed and adopted by ECOWAS on the sidelines of the UNCTAD meeting has not been and we're still without a roadmap. "
Ms. Cave said a "significant technical assistance is already available at the European Union, whether in the projects all-ACP, the Regional Indicative Programme in which an envelope of EUR 118 million is for economic integration and trade (excluding the project from 82 M EUR for transportation) "
She took the opportunity to discuss the ongoing impact of the Commission on Sustainable Development. A summary report of the first phase of this work conducted under the supervision of Pricewaterhouse Coopers, was distributed to participants at the National Workshop on Non-State Actors on the EPA. In a second phase, a further study on the agro-industrial sector will be made in West Africa. Mrs. Awa Gueye
Kebe, Minister of Trade, who chaired the opening ceremony, focused on issues of negotiations conducted by the West African Region. In this context, she referred to the eventual establishment of a zone of free trade, which expose the ECOWAS to greater competition from the EU, the opening of the regional market and lower customs revenue accompanying involving adjustment costs for our country. Madam Minister of Commerce stressed that in general, it is necessary to introduce more commercial aspects in development cooperation.
In this framework, development cooperation programs in areas such as macro-economic support, transport, private sector support, etc.. Must take into account the commercial dimension. In conclusion, Madam Minister reiterated the Government's commitment to work closely with the NSAs.
4.2 - THE WHOLE Tuesday, July 6, 2004
4.2.1 - PRESENTATION OF COMMUNICATIONS
After the opening ceremony, the following papers were presented in plenary:
• Mr. Taoufik BEN ABDALLAH, presented "issues of ECOWAS-EU EPA.
• The communication of Mr. Babacar Fall, Associate Director of Forecasting and Statistics has focused on "trade between Senegal and the European Union"
• Mr. Papa Nalla Fall NPC spoke of "The effects of EPA on industry and services in the ECOWAS region and Mauritania "
• The communication of Mr. Babacar NDAO FONGS reviewed the "Impacts of EPAs on agriculture in the trade negotiations of the Cotonou Agreement and the WTO"
4.2.1.1 - Communication 1: "Issues of ECOWAS-EU EPA.
By Taoufik BEN ABDALLAH
The Coordinator of Enda Syspro II recalled the EPA issues before returning the process of negotiations. He stressed the complementarity between ECOWAS, which the Secretariat was mandated to negotiate and WAMU has relevant experience of economic integration and financial as well as harmonization of legislation in particular on customs, taxation, insurance, accounting and commerce. Taoufik has also invited the Non-State Actors and African states to pay close attention to the road map. Before concluding, he described the structure of ACP civil society, which has headquarters in Brussels today.
4.2.1.2. Communication 2, "The trade between Senegal and the European Union"
By Babacar Fall, the Directorate of Forecasting and Statistics
Communication Babacar Fall brought on the following items:
Evolution of total exports
Average change in exports market from 1998 to 2002
Evolution of exports to the EU
Evolution of total imports
Evolution of total imports by group Product
trade balance trade with the European Union
Exports to the European Union
Exports to the European Union
Introducing the topic, Babacar Fall notes (citing the Observatory Economy-International Trade and Environment) that the global context has been characterized during the years by "a rapid development of international trade" with a record $ 6.8 trillion U.S. dollars traded in 2000, over 16% of global GDP.
Today, nearly a billion dollars of goods and services are exchanged every hour. This growth, however, is essentially beneficial to developed countries that export more.
• In Senegal, the development of trade is marked by a more sustained pace of imports with a 10.9% increase between 1996 and 2003. Export growth, which are dominated by fish products (stagnant because of production constraints) and chemical, is located in the same period to 7.8% with a decline in 2000-2001 following a performance of the cons associated with the phosphate industry falling prices.
• Total imports are dominated by capital goods and intermediate goods, which represent on average nearly 61% of purchases. There was also an explosion in the fuel bill (+27%), purchases of transportation equipment and parts (+25.7%), beverage and tobacco (+22%) and to a lesser extent, machinery and appliances (+9.5%)
• The coverage rate of imports by exports declining trend from 60% in 1996 below the breaking threshold of 50% in 2002.
• Billions of CFA francs, Senegal's exports to the EU rose from 202.2 billion in 1998 to 226.4 in 2002 with an average change of 2.9%. The weight of exports to the European Union is declining.
• In percentage terms, imports from the EU increased from 54.02% in 1996 to 46.90% in 2003, but with an annual average of 52.08% they are still dominant and increasing by an average of 8 7% This year the fall-that of the annual growth of 10.8% of total imports.
Billion CFA francs, imports from the European Union rose by nearly $ 400 billion in 1996 to 600 billion in 2003.
• Trade balance with EU
bilateral balances are structurally deficient except with Greece and to a lesser extent with Portugal.
The overall deficit of trade balance of Senegal with the European Union increased from - 192.2 billion in 1996 - 443.2 billion in 2003 with an annual average of - 332 900 000 000 FCFA.
4.2.1.3. Paper 3: "The effects of an EPA on industry and services in the ECOWAS region and Mauritania. "By Papa Nalla Fall
the National Council of Employers (CNP)
In its communication, Nalla Fall Pope emphasized the following points:
Action Plan priority area
Constraints
The private sector concerns
The determinants of competitiveness within the EPA
The business characteristics of the European Union
The characteristics of the production system countries of ECOWAS
The foreseeable consequences of the EPAs on the economies and businesses in the region
The responses to these challenges.
The priority action plan covers the following objectives:
• Capacity building in the region
• Adopting a participatory process open to all stakeholders
• Assessing the impact EPA and the formulation of programs to upgrade and support measures
• The harmonization of development policies and trade policies
With respect to private sector concerns, Papa Nalla Fall recalled the need for efficient implementation and diligent steps to upgrade overall. This upgrade will include business, energy infrastructure, transport infrastructure, the system of training and education, the legislative, regulatory and fiscal framework for investment in the region.
The production system of the ECOWAS countries and Mauritania is characterized by: •
a very strong dominance of the informal sector in the modern sector with a contribution of order 54.2% of the GDP of the region
• Using strong intermediate inputs by the informal sector (46.7%)
• Low integration of productive activities in each country and between countries
• The lack of export culture and too much dependence on one market and a limited number of products exported
• The low level of development and integration of basic infrastructure (transport, communication, energy)
• The high cost inputs
• The lack of care facilities business including medium and small
• The absence of terms and conditions favorable financing and the limited number of financial products
• The low quality and low level of internal organization of firms in the region
• Weak capacity for innovation and research in the region
The foreseeable consequences of EPAs on the economies and businesses in the region
Regarding the implications of EPAs, Papa Nalla Fall drew attention to the cost of adjustment of economies and companies in the region that will be very high.
At fiscal level, states will face combined losses of customs revenue ranging from 525 to 1,541,000,000,000 FCFA for the twelve years of operation at the UEMOA countries.
level of imports, they must bear the weight adjustments due to increased exports from the EU to the region.
For export, the adjustments are related to the ability of firms in the region to meet the standards and to overcome technical barriers to trade
On the social adjustments are also needed. They call strengthening the capacity of enterprises to engage in dialogue among themselves and within lines of business
What responses to these challenges?
Faced with these challenges facing the region, Papa Nalla Fall NPC calls for measures including information, promotion of private enterprise in regional priority areas, carrying out impact studies determining the elements of negotiation tariff dismantling, the sectoral studies favoring specialization by country based on comparative advantages and benefits built.
It also calls for promoting the harmonization of laws and their strict enforcement and a strong involvement in the design and implementation of programs to upgrade national and regional levels.
4.2.1.4. Paper 3: "Impacts of EPAs on agriculture in the trade negotiations of the Cotonou Agreement and the WTO"
By Babacar NDAO of FONGS
Communication Babacar Ndao deals including the treatment of agricultural products in trade provisions of the Cotonou Agreement. Mr. Ndao said that the specific treatment of certain agricultural products is explained in a series of protocols on commodity (sugar, beef and veal, bananas) in the joint statements XXI and XXIV (referring to rice.)
Babacar Ndao note that free access may be limited by seasonal arrangements with quotas and / or the perception of a percentage of the duties applicable to trade for some agricultural products. In some cases, this has threatened the viability of investments in the ACP to promote local processing and value-added structural development of the sector. Products excluded from specific provisions above shall not be given preferential access to European markets. However, Annex V, Section C adds new products to the list contained in the declaration XXII. This inclusion is on a case by case according to specific procedures.
Citing the impact of EPAs on agriculture, he says they will weaken the policies of our States in the matter. Babacar Ndao said that the farming systems prevailing in our country contribute primarily to the food security of citizens, which depends heavily on the agricultural food. This sector provides them with basic food goods, jobs, income and other services without which food security could be ensured. It is therefore appropriate to place this issue at the heart of the problem. The Cotonou Agreement
considers that further liberalization is needed to improve regulation of international trade in agricultural products. Babacar Ndao denounces this "a priori unacceptable" and said that "limited to liberalize market access equivalent to supporting only the interests of large farmers and agri-food focus of considerable means of production. Considering
EPAs will dismantle what little is left of our domestic markets, he argues that the facilities for access to agricultural markets are accompanied by adequate protection opportunities for sustainable agricultural systems in all regions. Without a sufficient protection, it is impossible to ensure price levels covering the real costs of sustainable production in diverse regions. The EPA then inexorably reinforce the current move towards a model that compensates for increased access to markets through the possibility of supporting producers in competition with direct income support. This
model is unfair and few states have the means to grant direct aid, while others gradually perdrent their capacity to protect their farmers.
To prevent the disappearance of African producers, farmers' organizations recommend the following measures:
• Maintaining and improving existing tools to protect agricultural systems such as appropriate tariff barriers to imports and SSG must be adapted for use in Developing Countries and in particular their constraints Food Safety
• The rehabilitation of other tools that have proven effective, such as import quotas and variable levies
• Permission to protective measures needed to develop sustainable production systems in terms social and environmental. Conditionalities should be set for the promotion of employment and income, their contribution to food security, fight against poverty, promotion of employment and income, the conversion to agriculture more environmentally , quality products and health
• Permission safeguards necessary external members of the WTO in the process of regional economic integration in order to protect the regional development opportunities
• Privileged access to markets for products agricultural production from a sustainable socially and environmentally.
4.2.2. REFUND OF THE WORKSHOP Cotonou in June 2004 ON THE PARTICIPATION OF NON-STATE ACTORS IN WEST AFRICA TO CONSULTATION
Abdoulaye GAYE the UNSAS / UDEN shared with participants "The objectives and recommendations of the regional workshop in Cotonou (25-26 June 2004) on the participation of Non State Actors of West Africa in the process of dialogues and consultations in the framework of the ACP- European Union. "This participation allows for the most part, poor. Except for few countries (such as Ghana, Mauritius, Namibia and Senegal), the consultations have not answered, when they were held, the requirements of participating effectively.
4.3 - WORK IN WORKSHOPS
4.3.1. Issues discussed during the workshops
After the plenary on Tuesday 06 July, participants in three workshops should reflect on the following topics:
4.3.1.1. Workshop I:
What mechanisms put in place to offset tariff revenue losses that will arise from signing an EPA?
4.3.1.2. Workshop II:
What strategic sector for the formulation of national positions that support the requirements of sub-regional integration and Senegal's commitments within the ECOWAS?
constitutive element of the terms of reference of Editorial Board of national positions on the EPA between ECOWAS and the European Union?
profiles and terms of reference for consultants to be committed to the studies which will be based on the formulation of national positions on the EPA?
4.3.1.3. Workshop III:
Organization and tasks of the Platform of Non-State Actors in Senegal:
• Institutional Structuring
• • • Mandate
Relations with regional platform and forum for the ACP Civil Society
• Partnership with the Ministry of Commerce, which led
EPA negotiations
• Access to resources
4.3.2. REFUNDS OF WORK IN WORKSHOPS
4.3.2.1. WORKSHOP I:
What mechanisms to offset tariff revenue losses that will arise from signing an EPA?
For the methodology, the workshop drew on the following documents: The
Papa Nalla Fall communication from NOC on the impacts of EPAs on industry and services;
Communicating Babacar Ndao of FONGS Impacts of EPAs on agriculture;
Communication Babacar of DPS on trade between Senegal and the EU;
A document entitled "Place and role of NSAs in the review process mid-way through the Cotonou Agreement" prepared by the Civil Forum
Proposed Mechanisms:
1 / - Enhancing Official Development Assistance:
• Strengthening the capacities of stakeholders through information, communication and training;
• Upgrade corporate ECOWAS extended to Mauritania to make them more competitive;
• Strengthening public service functions to ensure access social services (health, education, access to drinking water, etc..) and the promotion of public investment (improving the quality of transport infrastructure, communication, energy production ...)
2 / - Increased domestic production to reduce imports and reduce dependence
in the following areas:
Agriculture;
Breeding;
Textile;
SMEs and SMIs
3 / - Service Reduction debt in proportion to revenue losses
customs
4 / - Program Development sectoral economic
4.1. Agriculture
To offset the effects of EPAs on ACP through, for example, greater competition in domestic markets to EU exports to ACP countries but also increased competition in the markets served by regional producers ACP
Strengthen support for restructuring through a temporary protection, control of supply, reduced the volatility of agricultural prices while sharing the SPS;
Establish common rules in areas related with trade;
Working in a change rules in force within the WTO
4.2. Fishing
Increased cost of fishing licenses with accompanying components: respect for the biological recovery, development of fish farming;
Development of artisanal fisheries;
Development of aquaculture;
Control Vessel fisheries resources to maintain and enforce quotas;
4.3. Industries
Upgrading of human resources and production tools: Renewal, acquisition of efficient equipment to enable industries to be competitive;
Establishment of processing units to reduce imports, create jobs and increase the resources generated by African raw materials;
Relocation of industries from Europe to Africa to fight against poverty through the creation of jobs, increase incomes of the continent and take advantage of competitive labor costs in Africa.
4.4. Livestock
Livestock development by increasing livestock breed improvement, intensive supervision to import single lever products such as milk, cheese, butter, hides, horns, etc..
Recommendations of the workshop I:
Training of local elected officials;
Good governance (reducing the lifestyle of the State);
Promotion of social dialogue for the establishment of lasting peace attractive to investors;
The African Union must support the EPA.
4.3.2.2. : Results of the workshop II
Strategic areas of negotiations
The definition of clear and binding commitments of both sides (ACP-EU) must be made. Each party negotiate in this new framework it would become the WTO. The first level of negotiation is the ACP-EU framework. Compatibility with WTO is at the heart of the problem (non-performance clause, the transition period)
Non-State Actors reject any negotiations with countries before a comprehensive agreement on EPAs at the level of ECOWAS. They believe that negotiating the EPAs in a subgroup such as UEMOA would be a serious setback with the requirements of expanded economic integration. The actions within this framework should be under the banner of ECOWAS and in connection with the Treaty of Abuja. Agreements countries should be concluded for the implementation of a comprehensive agreement.
At continental level, the EPA negotiations should be conducted under the auspices of the African Union Commission to better take into account the aspirations of our peoples to global integration.
The convergence criteria are a dead end for a future sub-regional integration. This should be based programs integrators around water and energy components. It should be remembered that European integration has been driven by the convergence criteria without such mechanisms on steel and coal.
For implementation of such strategic sector, it is necessary that the elements of terms of reference below are fully taken into account.
Research in the negotiations, a balance between trade and non commercial (economic and social development, environment, quality / product safety, cultural identity, strategic concerns). A minimal degree of national autonomy is needed and therefore requires a minimal degree of independence in food
The introduction negotiations non-trade concerns, such as the multifunctional role of agriculture in all parts, labor-intensive workforce in SMEs must-LDC supported so as to accommodate the needs of all citizens. This is an essential precondition for the WTO to find some legitimacy;
We want the EPA negotiations are based on principles that recognize the specificities of agriculture and industry in our country, and Therefore, the need for special treatment;
We want to make mandatory the consideration of impacts studies for a regular assessment conflicting and contradictory to the implementation of EPAs in all areas of agriculture and industry (both at the state level, as Non-State Actors). The fields will cover economic, social, environmental. They also incorporate the methods of agricultural production, cultural identities, income distribution, access to productive resources, status and conditions of women, national autonomy, food security ...
Profile of consultants to conduct studies to base the formulation of national positions of Non-State Actors on the EPA
Have skills, and be African: control of WTO rules, agricultural policies, industrial policies, relations with the cultural field; control mechanisms of UEMOA, ECOWAS, African Union, European Union, control of the impact of structural adjustment policies (Liberalization, Privatization), knowledge of stakeholders (farmers 'organizations, employers' organizations , Unions)
Terms of reference for consultants
In the negotiations of EPA Region West Africa (ECOWAS), a team of resource persons will be recruited to make impact studies for the formulation of national positions of Non-State Actors on the EPA.
• Tasks
These contacts are loaded to accomplish the following tasks under the supervision of the National Committee of Non-State Actors in formulating positions on EPAs:
1. Revisiting the debate on each topic of negotiation in ensuring that compliance issues are:
specificities of Agriculture and industrial countries of the sub-region;
cultural identity;
to take into account the gender issue;
to major endemic diseases;
environmental and development requirements sustainable and sustained growth
2. Report writing
3. Facilitate discussions in workshops on each theme
4. Final report.
A summary document will be prepared for each of the issues identified, in which it will analyze the situation of food security, economic development and political context. Structure Next could be followed for the presentation of each of the following questions:
List and review of commitments taken at the ECOWAS
Description of experiences of civil society in this area
Search by experiments governments since the start of negotiations
Research experience and action by all governments (eg agricultural policy of UEMOA) and intergovernmental institutions on the field of study (WTO, FAO, UNEP , ILO, UNIDO, etc.).
Proposal and other policies possible approaches and issues concerning sustainable food security, industrial policy.
New issues, relating to the issues above, must also be supported (genetically modified organisms, methods of intensive animal food and new security concerns raised by the Food cow disease mad and FMD).
The focus for information may be:
1. Theme 1: Access to markets (price volatility, quotas)
2. Theme 2: Domestic support (controlling domestic markets, domestic production support)
3. Topics 3: The export support (management mechanisms of supply, status and legal personality of industrial producers, peasants and artisans)
4. Topics 4: The consequences of patents on Life (impact)
5. Theme 5: The Special and differential treatment across sectors
A draft copy will be sent to non-state actors before the regional meetings.
4.3.2.3. OUTCOME OF THE WORKSHOP III
Recommendations
1 / - Institutional
• Strengthening existing dynamics:
• CONGAD must position itself clearly by assuming its responsibilities in relation to its mission
• The workshop notes the existence of different dynamics and processes involving non-state actors in the negotiations on the implementation of the Cotonou Agreement (9th EDF, decentralized cooperation) and the Economic Partnership Agreements, we recommend that CONGAD initiates consultations with various parties to lead to flat NSA-inclusive form, independent, critical and has a •
of proposals must mobilize the maximum civil society organizations around the issues of the agreement to have more positive influence and more control over its implementation.
• Ensure that the platform is not used as part of manipulation in the EPA negotiations and that it strengthens the specializations of the different structures that compose
2 / - Structuring
• The platform must be created in a forum: a Secretariat accountable
• Promote CONGAD as the focal point of the Secretariat (Specialization and accountability)
3 / - Mandate
• Inform all over the members, partners and the Ministry of Commerce
• Have a proposal force;
• Monitor • Evaluate with sub-themes through regular meetings and fora. The sub-themes may include information, solidarity and respect. • Maintain
mobilization;
• Have ability to operate on topics such as trade;
4 / - Relation to the regional platform and forum of civil society ACP
• We must call on each appearance;
• The platform must an approach to work and be visible.
5 / - Access to resources
• Need a financial and institutional support
• Systematic allocation of resources to facilitate the disbursement NSA and when there are ongoing activities
• Facilitating access to finance (Avoidance of certain cumbersome procedures related to disbursement)
• It takes vigilance (Transparency)
4.4. Final plenary
FINAL PLENARY
Reading the summary report generated contributions and amendments. The opportunity was seized by several participants to engage civil society organizations to engage resolutely in the promotion of responsible citizenship for genuine development cooperation. The objectives of sustainable development will, in this context, being the center of the dynamics of research for the development of national positions of Non-State Actors.
Political dialogue on the EPA and advocacy to parliamentarians will also take into account this need.
After discussions on the synthesis report, which are part of the validation process documents produced During the workshop, the participants thanked CONGAD, ENDA SYSPRO II and the European Commission for support equipment, technical and financial support they provided for the holding of the National Workshop on Non-State Actors Agreement Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Social Development, Family and National Solidarity, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Directorate of Forecasting and Statistics for participation in this meeting, the Management and staff for availability CESAG they demonstrated against them, but also the press for the quality of coverage of the event.
The closing ceremony was chaired by Mr Lo in March, the Director of Cabinet of Mrs. Aida Mbodj Mbacke, the Minister of Social Development, Family and National Solidarity.
Rapporteur
Boubacar Seck, Head of Service
Support for Communication CONGAD
APPENDICES
National Workshop on Non-State Actors in Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
Address by the President CONGAD at the closing ceremony
Wednesday, July 7, 2004, CESAG Dakar
Madam Minister of Family, Social Development and National Solidarity
Mr. Enda Syspro II Coordinator
Distinguished Member of the Board of CONGAD
Mr. Executive Director CONGAD
Ladies , Distinguished Guests Distinguished Participants
By opening the National Workshop on Non-State Actors in Economic Partnership Agreement, we raised critical issues to the stakes of this mechanism should replace the system of preferences not spent by the reciprocal cycle of Lome.
Our analytical effort, which is also a process of unveiling, did not aim to establish certainty. This was mainly to encourage discussion participatory from scientifically collected data and structured to serve as a frame of reference.
field of rationality and highlighted gives full meaning to the arrests of sectoral and global actors. Meanwhile, the necessary impact studies are done, the communications we've had the privilege to listen and discuss possible already to mark lines of research. The private sector, informed by the voice of Pope Nalla Falla's National Employers 'Council (CNP), farmers' organizations through the pitch Babacar Ndao of the Federation of NGOs of Senegal (FONG), Technical Services with State Directorate of Forecasting and Statistics shared information of rare relevance.
It can therefore rightly consider our work opened by the Minister of Commerce, which has emphasized the important role of Non State Actors in the partnership for capacity development and increased bargaining sustainable we have achieved our initial objectives.
respect to industry, services, customs revenue, agriculture, trade with the European Union, the foreseeable impacts of Economic Partnership Agreement in its present formulation, were discussed. It should also address the concerns of consolidating the effectiveness of citizen participation that inspired the various actors. The decision to be part of a dialogue process aimed at promoting synergies with different dynamic thematic worn by actors. It should allow us to build a platform for capitalizing on the experience and the necessary critical approach to fruit initiatives for a decade.
The partnership for sustainable development that must be built with the state, our states has also attracted attention. Efforts in this area identified by the Minister of Commerce, Mrs. Awa Gueye Kebe, are certainly significant, but much remains to be done. Action is needed to more synergy in respect of beliefs, so that the distinctive competencies of each player are drawn upon to make a critical analysis of the provisions of the Cotonou Agreement, conduct the necessary impact studies and we develop appropriate negotiation skills. The process that will lead us in 2007 will be fraught with difficulties. Let us have no illusions, the European Union will not make us a gift. Each concession, each waiver, any measure must be torn off as the necessary steps for the necessary upgrade of our economies. Together we will mobilize the intellectual and technical resources necessary to defend our interests against European negotiators who deftly maneuvered to be forward binding commitments by ACP countries at the WTO.
Distinguished Participants Distinguished Guests
The actions we have taken during these two days, with our partners Enda Syspro II, the private sector and state services will be truly meaningful only if we give ourselves the means to tender resolutely towards the formulation of national positions on the Economic Partnership Agreement. That's why, CONGAD will spare no effort in a quarter we meet to validate the position papers of Non State Actors in Senegal on the EPA will be entrusted with the development to people that are experts in their field of expertise.
By reiterating our appreciation, thank you for your kind attention.
SOURCE: Mr. Babacar Ndiaye
Expert / Participant
Member / SOCET African civil
Address: PO Box 13522, BP 37171 Dakar / SENGAL
E-mal: worldleadership_2000@yahoo.fr
