5 Conclusion
40. The current trade negotiations in the WTO Doha
Round and on the EPAs will shape the trading and development relationships
between developing countries and the EU for years to come. Many
of the points we have raised in this Report reflect closely conclusions
from our previous Reports and those of our predecessor Committee.
It is worrying that so little progress has been made in the intervening
months. In fact, deadlines have been missed and negotiations are
behind schedule.
41. The essential
building blocks needed to secure fair and effective deals are
clear. Political will is now needed to put those blocks in place.
As the WTO and EPA negotiations enter their final phases, we believe
that progress will be made if they are conducted between equal
partners who are willing to make compromises, conscious of what
is at stake and, above all, committed to making trade work for
the benefit of the poor.
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