Are we succumbing to EU pressure to sign EPAs?

It is very disturbing to note that the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry supported by the Deputy Minister of Finance both indicated that Namibia is ready to sign the controversial EPAs. The Deputy Minister for Trade and industry was quoted in the local media of 13^th October 2010 stated that Namibia is ready to ‘sign and seal’ EPA. The Minister of Trade and Industry had previously indicated that EPA is not good for the development of our local economy, what happen to this position? Are the issues in EPA addressed and to what extent has these issues had been addressed?

There are many other things which are at risk if Namibia signs the interim EPA in its current content. Other countries such as South Africa and Angola have totally rejected the EPA in its current form and Namibia should follow suit. Signing EPAs for the fear of losing beef market to Europe while compromising our whole economy should not be tolerated in the new Namibia. If European countries are threatening us that they will cut down our exportation of meat to their countries because the current agreement is expiring than we can find other market in the world to sell our meat or focus on interregional trade.

Following the ‘controversial Swakopmund’ meeting, there are many issues including the ‘new generation issues” which need to be addressed before the signing of the interim EPA. The new generation issues includes; opening government tenders to European companies, agreement on services – this agreement will results in fully privatization of basic social services such as water, health, education, electricity etc.; a binding agreement on investment -  Namibia will have minimum or no control at European companies in terms of enforcing labour standards hence our workers will be subjected to harsh treatments like in the case of Ramatex; agreement on competitions – this agreement will subject our government to give equal treatment to local investors as well European investors.

Namibia current position on the Interim EPA seems to have dare consequences on the meat export to Europe. I hope at this stage we have considered all the pro’s and con’s regarding EPAs It is very clear that the two statesmen are thinking and acting in one dimensional of the economic sector which is Agriculture and specifically meat market. If the current agreement of EPA is not good for all Namibian it should be rejected in one voice. I will like to urge Namibian people who have the interest in the growth of our economy including the two deputy Ministers to read the new book called “The Economic Partnership Agreements: A Namibian Citizen’s Perceptive”, to be released by LaRRI in due course.