EU Sees Significant Increase in Imports from Developing Countries

The European Commission reported today that EU imports from developing countries rose 16 percent in 2006 from 2005 -- double the rate of growth in overall global merchandise trade over the same period.

"This report demonstrates the EU's commitment to putting trade at the service of development not only in theory, but in practice," said EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson. "The new Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA's) with African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries have taken EU openness for developing country exports to new levels, eliminating all duties and quotas for African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries. This gives them the same beneficial terms of access already enjoyed by Least-Developed Countries under the 'Everything But Arms' scheme...Our goal remains a trade policy that promotes development and provides greater opportunities to developing countries in support of their own individual development priorities."

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