Financing of the partnership
Article 9
1. The Parties agree on the creation of an EPA regional fund, set up by and for the Central African region, to coordinate support which will help to finance effectively the priority measures intended to build productive capacity in the Central African States, as indicated in Article 5, and the measures referred to in Article 10. The detailed rules for the operation and management of the EPA regional fund shall be decided by the region by the end of 2008. The EC Party shall use this period to complete its assessment of these rules. 2. The EPA regional fund shall be financed by resources secured by the Parties, for example contributions from EDF funds, contributions from European Union Member States and, potentially, contributions from other donors. 3. Notwithstanding paragraphs 1 and 2, the European Community Party undertakes to channel its support either via the financing mechanisms specific to the region or via those chosen by the countries signatory to this Interim Agreement, with due regard for the rules and procedures provided for in the Cotonou Agreement, and in accordance with the principles of aid effectiveness. 4. The Parties shall cooperate in order to facilitate contributions from other donors to the EPA regional fund.