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ESA service sector to be covered by new trade deal with EU
The service sector will be included in the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the East and Southern African (ESA) countries as the parties enter the final stages of agreeing on a deal. The EU head of delegation to Kenya, Eric van der Linden, told reporters that the two parties have agreed in principle to include the sector.
"The ESA region has recognised the importance of the service sector in economic development. In countries like Kenya, this sector represents a large percentage of the gross domestic product. Accordingly, the region is due to discuss trade in services internally, fix a regional position, and then discuss it bilaterally with the European Commission," he said.
Kenya is also keen to include provisions on investments in the EPA, said Mr Linden, adding that no country has ever developed without attracting investment. The two sides are optimistic that they will be able to sign the EPA before end of the year, said Mr Linden, shrugging off fears that the date was too near. The EPA is expected to come into effect on January 1, 2008.
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