Namibia urges EU to address worries on trade deal

PRETORIA (AFP) - Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba urged the European Union to listen to his country's concerns over a proposed trade pact that has already been signed by several other southern African nations.

"Agreements should be reached between equals and they should be done after discussions. We believe that the EU does not discuss with us as equals," Pohamba said during a visit to South Africa.

"Meetings have been held and we put our views across to them. In the normal way they should listen to our problems. They seem not to be listening to us and this is very regrettable," he said.

"We are still asking them to listen to us," he said after talks with South African President Jacob Zuma.

Both South Africa and Namibia are holding out against signing Economic Partnership Agreements, even though other countries in the region have already signed the deals that allow greater access for African goods to the European market.

But Namibia worries that a flood of European manufactured goods could undermine small local industries.

Regional powerhouse South Africa also fears that the bilateral deals struck with individual countries will hurt efforts to promote trade integration within southern Africa.

Namibia's economy depends heavily on South Africa, with its local currency pegged to the rand.

Pohamba said he had also discussed border issues with Zuma, with the aim of making it easier for World Cup visitors to travel between the countries next year.

"The 2010 World Cup is not only for South Africa but for us as well," he said. "There is a need for people not to have too many problems crossing the border."

• Email Story
• IM Story
• Printable View
• Yahoo! Buzz

RECOMMEND THIS STORY

Recommend It:

Not at All Somewhat Moderately Highly Very Highly

Average (Not Rated)

» Recommended Stories