Lima, April 11, 2008.- The spokesman for the Andean countries in the Trade Pillar of the negotiation of an Association Agreement between the Andean Community and the European Union, Eduardo Brandes, today reported that the first two rounds of those negotiations have progressed satisfactorily and that the Third Round, scheduled to take place in Quito, Ecuador on April 21 to 25, is expected to do also.

He explained that the advances made in the Trade Pillar during the first two rounds basically concerned the exchange of texts and information, as well as the determination of the Initial Tariff Reduction Level for the CAN, in order to have a base tariff for the negotiation. “Although there is still a pending matter with regard to modalities, generally speaking the progress has been fairly good,” Brandes pointed out.

As for the preparations for the next round, he reported that the lists of product offerings had already been exchanged on March 18 and that the service offerings were still pending.  “The groups are working very hard.  We must recognize the efforts of our delegates in the various committees,” he stressed.

Insofar as the road map is concerned, he explained that it is the result of a joint evaluation and was prepared in response to the interest of the European Union in knowing what our next actions will be in the area of Andean integration and particularly with regard to the free movement of products within the CAN.  He reported that an Andean meeting had been held on this subject and that all of the Member Countries are currently being consulted with a view to preparing a forthcoming remittance to the EU.

Brandes stated with regard to the Third Round to be held in Quito that the core topic will probably be the tariff offerings, particularly for products.  “The CAN has already delivered its list and has received that of the European Union. We are not completely satisfied with the offers made by the EU, however, and consider that we will have to continue to hold talks with them about the matter,” he stressed.

He concluded by emphasizing the efforts that have been made by the countries to move ahead, but pointed out that an additional effort will be needed to reach an Association Agreement within a reasonable period of time. “We thank the CAN General Secretariat for its assistance in assigning experts to each of the Committees.  This support is valuable for all of the countries in their negotiations,” he went on to add.