The Cariforum-EU EPA: why it’s good news for your business

Presentation to the ‘Doing Business with Europe’ SeminarPort of Spain, Monday 4 April 2011, 9.30am

Peter Thompson Director, Development and EPAs

Trade Directorate-GeneralEuropean Commission, Brussels

Introduction

• Who I am, why I’m here • How I’ll proceed

1. Benefits to your business - whatever your business

2. Benefits if you're a goods manufacturer

3. Benefits if you’re a services supplier

1. Benefits to your business - whatever your business

Lowers your costs

Helps you do business more easily

Offers you new ways to export and invest

Gives your industry a chance to compete

2. Benefits if you produce goods

Gives you fully free access to the EU

Protects you if you’re in a sensitive sector

Offers you more flexible rules of origin

3. Benefits if you supply services

Where do you need to be in order to offer your service?

Can you supply this kind of service?

You need to set up in the EU In almost all cases

You can stay in the Caribbean In over 90% of cases

You need to be in the EU Temporarily, in 29 fields

Conclusion

A call to action

• Put the EPA to work for your business • Use the support available to you• Lobby your industry and regional bodies

Good luck!

Thank you for your attention

Peter Thompson Director, Development and EPAs

Trade Directorate-GeneralEuropean Commission, Brussels

E: peter.thompson@ec.europa.eu