The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies and European Union Ambassador to South Africa, Marcus Cornaro will brief the media on the signed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU).

On Friday, 10 June 2016, South Africa together with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland signed the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that has been negotiated with the European Union (EU). The EPA will replace the trade chapter in the bilateral agreement between the EU and South Africa, the Trade Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) signed in the year 2000. The media briefing will take place as follows:

DATE:            Friday, 17 June 2016

TIME:             10:00

VENUE:          Imbizo Centre, Parliament, Cape Town

There will be a video link to GCIS, Tshedimosetso House, corner Francis Baard and Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.

Minister Davies says that the EPA will provide improved market access opportunities for South African products, including a significant improvement in quota for wine and new market access for sugar and ethanol. The EPA further provides for extensive “cumulation”, including with other African countries that will facilitate intra-regional trade and industrialisation across the African continent. The Rules of Origin on clothing have also been simplified in the EPA and will encourage SA clothing exports to the EU.

SA exports to the EU have increased from R151 billion in 2011 to R216 billion in 2015. South Africa has managed to increase exports of value-added products to the EU thus contributing to South Africa’s industrial development objectives.

RSVPs should be sent to Tshilidzi Madinani on 012 394 1399/079 879 5524 or TMadinani@thedti.gov.za

Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe-Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: (012) 394 1650
Mobile: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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