Second stage of negotiations
Article 67
The Parties agree to continue negotiations in 2008 to extend the scope of this Agreement. For the purpose of this Title, the SADC EPA States will be constituted of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland. The remaining SADC EPA States may join the process of negotiation on a similar basis. To this end, they will notify in writing the EC Party and the other SADC EPA States. 1. Trade in Services (a) The Parties recognise the growing importance of trade in services for the development of their economies and reaffirm their respective rights and obligations under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). (b) No later than 31 December 2008, the Parties will complete negotiations on services liberalisation on the basis of the following: (i) a liberalisation schedule for one service sector for each participating SADC EPA State; (ii) a commitment to a standstill as specified in Article V(1)(b)(ii) GATS, for all services sectors; and (iii) an agreement to negotiate progressive liberalisation with substantial sectoral coverage within a period of three years following the conclusion of a full EPA. 2. Cooperation in Services (a) The Parties recognise that trade capacity building can support the development of economic activities, in particular in services sectors. To this end, the EC Party agrees to support capacity building aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework of the participating SADC EPA States. (b) By the time of laying down the necessary arrangements for the liberalisation of trade in services, the Parties will define the specific cooperation objectives, principles and procedures that will accompany trade liberalisation. 3. Investment The Parties agree to negotiate an Investment Chapter, taking into account the relevant provisions of the SADC Protocol on Finance and Investment, no later than 31 December 2008. 4. Cooperation on Investment The EC Party agrees to provide adequate technical assistance to facilitate negotiations and implementation of the Investment Chapter. 5. Competition and Government Procurement The EC Party agrees to cooperate with a view to strengthening regional capacity in the areas of competition and government procurement. Negotiations will only be envisaged once adequate regional capacity has been built.