Developing countries should be wary of the European Union's latest offer of duty and quota-free access to its markets for developing countries, announced in Brussels today, says Christian Aid.

'This offer may appear to be generous but the European Union is still asking for more access to developing country markets while depriving governments in poor countries of the tools they need to ensure that such investments benefit their people,' said Christina Weller, Christian Aid's senior policy officer on trade.

Europe is negotiating new economic partnership agreements (EPAs) with nations in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP).

The EU's offer is a tactic which increases the pressure on the ACP countries to sign up by the deadline of 31 December 2007 or the offer will be taken off the table. ACP countries have already said that they are not ready to make such hard choices without first having a chance to evaluate the impact of such a deal.

'This offer isn't as good as it looks because the EU is not dealing with the real obstacles to ACP exports to Europe. The EU needs to address these key concerns if the deal is to have any genuine value to developing countries,' said Ms Weller.

ENDS

For information call the Christian Aid press office on 0207 523 2421 or out of hours call 07850 242 950.

Notes to editor

Christian Aid is an international development agency working in more than 50 countries with people of many cultures, nationalities and religions, to provide aid where the need is greatest.