QUOTE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO: 2265
PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 28 OF 13 NOVEMBER 2009
MR K MUBU (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND
COOPERATION:
1) To what extent does the economic partnership agreements signed between
the European Union (EU) and some member countries of the (a) Southern
African Development Community (SADC) and the (b) Southern African
Customs Union (SACU)
(i) impact on regional integration in the sub-region,
(ii) affect revenue sharing among SACU member countries and
(iii) affect future diplomatic and economic ties between South
Africa and SADC and/or SACU countries? NW2975E
REPLY:
(1)(i) The Southern African Customs Union is the oldest customs union
in the world and it is therefore of concern to the Republic of South
Africa that she may have to take precautionary tariff measures at her
borders with Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (BLS) in order to ensure
the protection of South African goods against cheaper European
imports. Such a development would fracture the Southern African Custom
Union and roll back the integration processes that have already taken
place. The EPAs therefore pose a challenge to future customs
integration within the region; however, South Africa remains committed
to the conclusion of EPAs which are favourable to all parties.
(1)(ii) If the IEPA is implemented in its current state and without
amendment, the functioning of SACU as a customs union would complicate
the revenue sharing formula as there will no longer be an external
common tariff in trade with the EU amongst SACU members. The external
common tariff is the basis for the revenue-sharing formula.
(1)(iii) South Africa maintains strong diplomatic ties with all
countries within the SADC region and will remain committed to these
relationships as Africa is a key element of South Africaâs foreign
policy, as well as a commitment to regional integration. The EPAs will
not affect South Africaâs position towards its neighbours and will
have no change to its foreign policy in this regard.
UNQUOTE