The political climate in Fiji will not affect nor impede on the Economic Partnership Agreement to be signed between the EU and Fiji which will open up whole new opportunities for export to the European market.

The European Commission Delegation in Fiji has confirmed to Fijivillage news that authorities in Fiji have declared that more time is needed for completion of their national procedures and the EU believes that Fiji is prepared to sign at their earliest convenience.

The EU and ACP countries agreed to negotiate the new partnership agreements because the system of trade preference that was in place was failing to the help the ACP economies diversify and develop their trade.

The interim EPA establishes credible and predictable trade related rules which are important for transparency, investment and sustainable development.

Once signed by Fiji, the EPA would allow the continuity of preferential access of sugar exports to the EU and there is also a potential for Fiji to benefit from the improved Rules of Origin for fisheries products and textiles.

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea signed the interim agreement with the EU on July 30th in London.