Talks have begun in Brussels between the EU and the 71 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries

Date: 01/10/1998

on a trade and development agreement to overhaul the 23-year-old Lomé Convention. The Union wants the new accord to replace the current trade concessions granted to ACP countries with a series of reciprocal free trade agreements. A key aim of the new pact will be to integrate ACP countries into the global economy by encouraging foreign investment. The negotiations are expected to continue for at least a year.