Europe"s single market : implications for agricultural exporters from North Africa and the Near East

This report examines regulatory changes taking place within the European Community (EC) and their potential effects on Near East agricultural exports. Following an introduction, Chapter 2 provides a statistical overview of Near East agricultural exports to the EC and examines changes in EC policy towards the Mediterranean and negotiations with former Eastern Bloc countries to enlarge the EC. Chapter 3 addresses regulatory and policy issues, covering EC decisionmaking, trade barriers, health and safety standards, packaging, transport, banking and financial services, and quality standards. Chapter 4 presents commodity-specific market trends and issues in the Single Market, focusing on fresh produce, processed foods, seafood, and cut flowers; U.S. trade issues are also addressed. Chapter 5 concludes that Near East exporters can be extremely competitive under the European Single Market, but this will require new investments in processing, packaging, and transportation technology, as well as management and marketing expertise. Near East agribusiness can expected to look to outside sources of technology and know-how, presenting opportunities for U.S. firms to develop joint ventures or other arrangements with Near East exporters. Recommendations for USAID and other donors are presented in conclusion.