PACP nations want an extension of the preferential rules of origin on fishery products. (Photo: Stock File)

Pacific ACP countries seek extension to global sourcing rules

SAMOA
Friday, February 04, 2011, 01:50 (GMT + 9)

A proposal by Pacific African, Caribbean and Pacific (PACP) countries to lobby for an extension of the preferential rules of origin on fishery products so they will also consist of fresh and chilled fish fillets is marked by “very limited short-term opportunities.” 

PACPs’ main constraint is that they - except for Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands - lack capable officials to export fresh and chilled fish. Only PNG and Fiji have thus far through global sourcing sent consignments of canned and cooked tuna loins to Europe duty-free and quota-free. 

Now other PACPs desire a similar preferential rule offered to PNG and Fiji that includes chilled fish fillets, to be categorised as sub heading 0304 and 0305. Many PACPs are working to establish competent authorities to profit from the rule, reports PACNEWS.

Relevant work is being done in the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and Tonga, according to a briefing report to Pacific Trade officials.

But the European Union (EU) said it will only consider 0304 and 0305 if it is linked to market access offer. 

Trade officials and ministers convening in Samoa this week will settle on whether the 12 PACPs negotiating with the EU will make concessions on fisheries market access and global sourcing. 

The EU also indicated that it wishes to review the rules of origin five years after the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) became effective to further “simplify the concepts and methods used for the purpose of determining origin.” 

But PACPS worry this may cause investors uncertainty and particularly regarding global sourcing rules for the fisheries sector. Further, PACP countries that are Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) are concerned that more negotiations on the EPA fisheries chapter will jeopardize the continued application of the global sourcing rule under the interim EPA offered to PNG and Fiji. 

Thus, PNA ministers appealed to Lead Spokesman for EPA negotiations Joachim Keil to delay talks on fisheries until the completion of the EPA ratification process. Last month, the European Parliament endorsed the ratification of the interim EPAs for PNG and Fiji. 

“Fisheries issues in particular require a clear and cohesive position on the part of PACPS if negotiations are to progress. It is likely that at least two rounds of negotiations with the EU are needed to resolve these issues, and flexibility will be required on both sides,” Pacific trade officials said. 

Related article:

- Parliament approves trade agreement with Papua and Fiji

By Natalia Real
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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