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UBC Theses and Dissertations

The European communities and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries : political, economic and legal effects of the single European act 1986 on post-1992 economic relations Omonuwa, Adesuwa Nore

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to examine in full the likely impact of the SEA 1986 on the economic relationship between the EC and the ACP. It begins with a historical introduction to their economic relationship and an analysis of the various Yaounde and Lome Conventions that were signed between the two blocs. An attempt is then made to look at the likely impact of the SEA, with a fully-implemented Single European Market (SEM) after 1992, on their present economic relations from a legal as well as an economic perspective. In particular, the likely effects of the GATT negotiations at the Uruguay Round will be examined. Other questions concerning the monetary arrangements between France and her 13 excolonies in Africa under the CPA Franc Zone arrangement, as well as the enduring problem of huge external indebtedness of the ACPs to the EC and other developed countries, will be examined and suggestions will be made towards achieving lasting solutions. Chapter III deals mainly with the trade negotiations leading to the various Conventions that were signed between the two blocs. These will be examined critically with a view to suggesting improvements to the quality and style of negotiating future Conventions so that more satisfying results can be achieved from the point of view of both the ACPs and the EC. Chapter IV examines the nature of transfer of technology between the two blocs. The relevant provisions of the Lome Conventions will be looked at and attempts will be made to evaluate their preparedness or adequacy for tackling specific problems which the ACPs face when trying to transfer technology from the EC to their respective countries. Efforts of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and other international bodies will also be looked studied and critiqued. Finally, suggestions will be made towards the better improvement of technology transfer agreements so that the ACPs can begin to attain their long-desired technological advancement and self-sufficiency. The effect of the final unification of European Markets under the SEM after 1992 will also be examined in this context. In Chapter V, basically, further suggestions are advanced and the social and political problems of most ACPs countries are examined. African countries are used as a case-study for this purpose but Caribbean countries are also looked at particularly in their attempts at achieving economic integration. These are evaluated and reasons adduced for their partial success or failure. Points made in preceding chapters are summarized in the hope that an overall picture of the EC-ACP economic relationship (especially on the eve of a completely unified SEM) will emerge and that the suggestions advanced towards tackling the challenges that arise will be fully appreciated.

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