The head of the European Commission Office in Solomon Islands has expressed optimism that Melanesian Spearhead Group countries would sign an interim agreement on the Economic Partnership Agreement, E-P-A before the end of the year.
Abdoul Aziz Mbaye said an EPA agreement between MSG countries would have a lot to offer in the fisheries sector to least developed countries like Solomon Islands.
He said in the interim agreement on EPA would offer more to Solomon Islands in terms of trade to European countries than what is offered in the current Everything But Arms, E-B-A agreement.
The SIBC reports he hopes MGS countries will find a way to join PNG and Fiji to sign an interim agreement on the EPA ahead of the anticipated completion of EPA negotiations by the end of the year.
