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Minister Davies and EU Trade Commissioner Malmström mark first anniversary of Economic Partnership Agreement. South Africa's Minister for Trade and Industry Robert Davies and EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström met in Johannesburg today to review their respective trade and investment agendas.

They also took the opportunity to celebrate the one-year anniversary of putting the Economic Partnership Agreement, or EPA, between the EU and six countries of the Southern African Development Community into practice.

In their bilateral discussion, both the Minister and the Commissioner acknowledged the need to maximise the benefits of the EPA and move forward with its implementation.

The Minister and the Commissioner emphasised the importance of trade that supports development and promotes inclusive growth. For this reason, after the meeting, Minister Davies and Commissioner Malmström addressed some 150 civil society representatives from South Africa and the SADC region. They discussed the Economic Partnership Agreement's provisions to support sustainable development, and how its impact should be monitored.

The two also discussed the upcoming 5th EU-AU Summit that will take place in Abidjan on 29-30 November 2017. The agreed on the common priority to support young people to acquire the skills they need and to secure employment, as this is a key element in delivering sustainable development.

Minister Davies said:” Both parties should work together to ensure that the EPA  contributes to the structural transformation agenda of the region, enhances trade and promotes mutually beneficial outcomes.”

Commissioner Malmström emphasised that this is a partnership of equals. She said: "As partners, it is our joint responsibility to ensure that the benefits of our Economic Partnership agreement are felt by all in the region. We all have a common goal – to create prosperity for people in Southern Africa and in Europe. The EPA only delivers results if we work together."

During her visit to South Africa, Commissioner Malmström will visit Witwatersrand University tomorrow to give a lecture on global trade issues. She will also visit an organic farm managed by a young black female entrepreneur, who intends to make use of the Economic Partnership Agreement.

Issued by Department of Trade and Industry