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African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries
The June 2000 ACP-EU Partnership Agreement is a comprehensive aid and trade
agreement between 77 ACP countries and the European Union (EU). It is a
preference scheme which the EU offers to all ACP countries which enables
duty-free access on exports to the EU.
The Cotonou Agreement is a successor to the Lome Convention and marked a step
change in development relations.
Cotonou notes the European Commission's stated intention of working in close
collaboration with member states in support of each ACP country's development
objectives, particularly in relation to Poverty Reduction Strategies (PRSPs).
See also Economic Partnership Agreements
which are also bilateral trade agreements with the EU that are used not to force
trade with ACP countries but to promote the economic development of the ACP
countries and are therefore a key tool for development.
The substantial resources available under the European Development Fund could
make a significant contribution to the Millennium Development Targets in each
ACP country.
There are important potential gains if DFID can work with the Commission,
other EU Member States and partner governments to help make EC programmes more
effective.
Read the full text of the Cotonou
Agreement
Last updated: 4 October 2005
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