Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and regions in the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) group of countries, and (2) the negotiation of similar arrangements with remaining regions of the ACP group.

The UK is a long-standing supporter of the EU’s Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). EPAs aim to promote increased trade and investment by putting our trading relationship on a more equitable, mature and business-like footing, in order to support sustainable growth and poverty reduction. As the UK leaves the EU, we have an opportunity to position the UK as the world-leader on trade and development policy. We are in a stronger position than ever to develop trade relationships that maximise benefits for developing countries and for the UK.