Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what progress he has made on the roll-over of agreements with (a) Ghana, (b) Côte D’Ivoire and (c) Kenya.

As the UK leaves the EU, we seek to replicate the effects of seven EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, including agreements with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. We are working with partners to conclude and implement agreements from 29 March 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter in the event of a “no deal” exit.

The UK continues to support the implementation of the EU’s EPA with the East Africa Community (EAC). As and when EAC partners find a way to agree to sign the EPA, the UK will seek to replicate this agreement.

The Taxation (Cross-Border Trade) Act enables the UK to put in place a UK trade preferences scheme for developing countries. Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Kenya will be eligible for tariff reductions on two-thirds of products under this scheme.