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With the global economic crisis deepening and trade flows falling, pressure is on the heads of the world’s largest economies who will gather at the G20 London Summit on 2 April. The G20’s ability to establish a comprehensive economic package of reforms will be crucial for developing countries.
In advance of the G20, Trade Negotiations Insights sat down with Alan Hirsch, Deputy Head, Policy Co-ordination and Advisory Services, the Presidency of South Africa. In this interview, Mr Hirsch offers his view on the impact the crisis is having on Africa, South Africa’s role in the G20, and what steps are needed for stability to be achieved globally and on the continent. Mr Hirsch’s perspective is followed by a compelling article that reviews the trade-related challenges facing Africa as a result of the economic downturn. Here too, suggestions for G20 leaders’ deliberations are offered.
As concerns the delivery of financial aid, regionally owned funds have also been a prevalent topic amongst EPA actors. In this issue, author Corinna Braun-Munzinger, asks whether, for EU member states, regionally owned funds offer a real opportunity to implement aid effectiveness principles and show their commitment to support the ACP in the face of EPA adjustment costs.
Moving away from Africa, in this issue is a piece that examines the Pacific EPA negotiating experience, lessons that were learnt, and suggestions for ways forward. From the Caribbean perspective comes an article that provides an acute assessment of how the CARIFORUM-EU EPA will impact the challenges and policies that Overseas Countries and Territories are facing.
As evidenced in this April issue of TNI, around the world—in developed and developing countries alike—policymakers and civil society are looking inward, reflecting on past choices, and working towards formulating strong strategies for moving forward. Whether around the EPA, Doha, or G20 negotiating table, it is hoped that solutions will be forged for sustained growth, stability, and development, now and in the future.
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