Document of the EU-South Africa Summit, 25 July, Bordeaux
Trade
Both Parties, in a spirit of cooperation, have made strong efforts to resolve the outstanding
agricultural issues in the context of the TDCA. In respect of the opening of the cheese quota
issue, an agreement was reached in April 2008, by which South Africa would open quotas
with reduced or zero duties on certain European cheeses against elimination by the EC of
exports refunds on the concerned cheeses. Both parties will endeavour to complete their
internal procedures towards finalisation and implementation in the shortest possible
timeframe.
On Wine and Spirits, several technical meetings were held between the parties in 2008. These
provided an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest. Both sides
agreed to continue exchanges of information and meetings with a view to reaching a mutually
acceptable outcome, including on the issue of trademarks and geographical indications.
The review of the trade chapter of the TDCA (Trade Development and Cooperation
Agreement) between South Africa and the EU is currently being dealt with under the SADC
EPA group1 and EU negotiations towards an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Tariff
negotiations between South Africa/SACU and the EU are aimed at improving mutual market
access currently available under the TDCA and also at achieving a single SACU tariff regime.
The talks are taking place in parallel and subject to efforts to address the concerns of Angola,
Namibia and South Africa with regards to certain provisions of the Interim EPAs. In the
context of a full EPA, both Parties note the May 2008 GAERC statement. They agreed to
continue work to reach a balanced outcome that promotes sustainable development and
enhanced regional integration.
Author(s): French Presidency of the European Union 2008
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