8.8,88 Official]ournal of the European Communities l^oC208A^ 
2,3, r^^O^c^^^^C^^^^ 
2.3.1, Although higher weight limits could he msti 
fied, the stipulation of the limits of!8 and ll,Botwdl 
permit the construction of vehicles which are satisfac 
tory in all respects, andparticularly as regards their 
cost and safety, gnBen the distribution of the laden 
weight o^er the two a^les, 
2.3.2, It will be possible to construct versions (rigid 
units and tractors) of the same basic model without 
ma^or modifications, 
2.3.3, In those countries mwhich the weight limits 
are currently lower (Cermany, Ireland, United 
Kingdom) the new limits will not ha^e a noticeable 
effectas regardsdamage to theroads, assuming that 
the vehicles used are of modern design. 
POone at Brussels, 2]une 1988, 
1, Introduction 
1.1, In this new Opimononcooperation between 
the ACP countries and the Community, we reiterate 
our l^een interest in both the provisions of the Convene 
tion and their implementation, 
1.2, The situation in the majority of ACP countries 
continues to deteriorate. Indebtedness, falling raw 
material prices, international monetary instability, low 2,3,4, Asidefromthecasesmwhichthe proposed 
new weight limits represent an increase in the payload, 
the Commission could endeavour to calculate the econ 
omic impact of the proposed measures on transport 
operators in those countries in which higher maximum 
weight limits are currently authorised (Belgium, Creece, 
Spain, Erance, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Por 
tugal^ in POenmarl^ and Italy the weight limits are 18 t. 
2,4, ^^ry,^o^^^^^^^r^^^ro^^^r 
2,4,1, In the absence of objective assessment data, it 
is reasonable to maintain that the overall impact of the 
proposed measures on the level of traffic and road 
safety will be neutral. The same conclusion may be 
drawnin respectof thesocialaspects,given thetype 
of transport operations involved. 
per capita growth rates in the ACP countries and a 
sluggish world economy have tnggeredastate of econD 
omic and social crisis in many of these countries. This 
cnsisisboundto persist since the short and mediums 
term prospects are scarcely optimistic, ^n addition, 
dwindling naturalresourcesandthesharppopulation 
increase will impede long-term development, 
1,3, The future Convention will have rotate account 
of this trend, and provide for effective measures and 
funding to backup the vital development and financial Opinion on the fourth convention between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) 
and the EEC 
(88BC208^1B) 
On 23 February 1988, the Economic and Social Committee decided, in accordance with 
paragraph4of Article 20 of its Rules of Procedure, to draw up an Opinion on the fourth 
convention between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) and the EEC, 
TheSectionforE^ternalRelations, which was responsible for preparing the Committees 
worl^,adopted its Opinion on 20 Aiayl988,The rapporteur was Air L^elhomenie, 
At its 256th plenary session(meetmgof3]unel988) the Economic and Social Committee 
adopted the following Opinion byama^ontywith2votes against and4abstentions^ 
No C 208/58 Official Journal of the European Communities 8. 8. 88 
restructuring efforts to be made by the ACP countries in 
compliance with the principles of co-operation between 
equal partners: dialogue, a contractual relationship and 
durable locally-steered development. 
1.4. We confirm our support for the main guidelines 
of the third Lome convention such as the priority 
emphasis on the agricultural sector, regional co-oper­
ation, the importance of the private sector and socio-
cultural aspects and optimum deployment of human 
resources. However, in the light of experience to date, 
a number of the current provisions need to be improved. 
1.5. In the present Opinion, our aim is not to carry 
out a provisional stocktaking of Lome III—the avail­
able data are too fragmentary. We do, however, reserve 
the right to do so later on specific points, and in 
particular on the priorities to be pursued, which we 
have appraised on earlier occasions ('). We wish to be 
kept regularly informed of the progress and substance 
of the negotiations. 
Though we do not intend to deliver an Opinion on all 
the various facets of the future Convention, we feel 
that we have a duty to reiterate the key positions 
and recommendations expressed in its earlier work—in 
particular the contributions produced by the latest 
annual meetings between representatives of the EEC/ 
ACP socio-economic organizations (2)—especially as we 
wish to suggest the inclusion of some new points in the 
future Convention. 
1.6. We have already supported the extension of the 
duration of the Lome Convention, subject to specific 
arrangements regarding the implementing protocols 
and the option of an on-going review of certain imple­
menting provisions to make allowance for proposals 
or requirements expressed by individual countries or 
groups of countries (3). 
2. Encouragement of the private sector 
2.1. Article 62 of Lome III, which lays down the rules 
for industrial cooperation, only mentions 'programmes, 
projects and operations submitted (...) on the initiative 
or with the agreement of the ACP States.' 
(') ESC Opinion of 27 May 1981; ESC Report of 15 February 
1983 and ESC Opinion of 23 February 1983. 
(2) Records of the proceedings of the annual meetings between 
representatives of the ACP-EEC socio-economic organiz­
ations in 1985, 1986 and 1987. 
(3) ESC Opinion on the definition of new guidelines for closer 
cooperation between the ACP countries and the Community 
of 23 February 1983 (OJ No C 90, 5. 4. 1983). This Article makes no provision for help for private-
sector industrial activities in the ACP countries. 
Article 67 is the only one to mention (vaguely) the 
contribution of the Community to the development of 
small and medium-sized enterprises in the artisanal, 
commercial, service and industrial sectors, with special 
mention of encouragement for joint ventures. 
2.2. The next Convention should stress the import­
ance of local businessmen and help them to enlarge 
their skills and field of action. It is very important that 
industrialization should be based on the projects — 
even if limited — of private local firms supported 
by financial institutions capable of channelling savings 
towards productive investment. 
The current privatization of numerous public-sector 
firms in ACP countries is calculated to increase the 
number of local shareholders and lead to the appear­
ance of a new class of entrepreneurs. 
2.3. The development and diversification of a local 
job-creating industrial fabric can help foster an atmos­
phere of trust conducive to greater foreign investment. 
2.4. The concept of private agent should be extended 
to encompass co-operatives, which would then be able 
to operate under joint ventures and as consultants and 
management agents. They could play a part in all areas 
of activity (organized and informal, rural and urban, 
manufacturing, management, marketing and banking). 
They could work out flexible arrangements tailored to 
the actual situation, enlisting local participation and 
creating jobs, income and suitable training. 
2.5. For firms to be able to play to the full their role 
in the ACP countries' economies, the following are 
needed: 
— a basic infrastructure, not just in terms of road, rail, 
water supply and communications networks, but 
including an efficient credit and banking system, 
— the expansion of local, regional and international 
markets, 
— a favourable investment climate, particularly for 
private investors, 
— legal protection of persons and property, 
— proper facilities for experts and managers, 
— creation of investment institutes in the ACP 
countries to provide guidance and information for 
foreign investors, 
— efforts to foster a spirit of co-operation between the 
public and private sectors. 
8. 8. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 208/59 
2.6. We note that the contents of the Convention are 
out of phase with developments. 
With a view to expanding directly productive invest­
ment, Article 241 provides for joint studies of: (a) 
measures to facilitate an increased and more stable flow 
of private capital; (b) economic, technical, legal or 
institutional obstacles to such developments. 
Studies have been handed to the Commission but, as 
they were drawn up without adequate participation of 
private operators, they mainly just describe the prob­
lems and do not make clear, constructive recommen­
dations. 
Article 244, provides for study of a 'joint ACP/EEC 
insurance and guarantee system, complementary to 
existing national systems'. It is a pity that this system 
has yet to be established. 
The MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agree­
ment) procedure, introduced under UN aegis, opens up 
new prospects by introducing a guarantee at world 
level. The ACP countries, like the EEC Member States, 
could benefit from this. Given the scale of the various 
risks, it is possible that additional guarantees—supple­
mentary to those provided by existing national systems 
and distinct from those provided by MIGA—could 
be useful and help to promote investment. It would 
therefore still be appropriate for ACP/EEC experts to 
assess the future wording of Article 244. 
2.7. Financial investment 
Sustained foreign capital investment and support for 
savings and banks are key prerequisites for develop­
ment. 
2.7.1. The EEC and the ACP countries must make a 
joint effort to introduce new instruments to channel 
savings into productive investment. 
2.7.2. The current confusion between the respective 
roles of commercial and development banks in the ACP 
countries generates major difficulties. 
2.7.3. Development banks interested in medium and 
long-term development should be able to draw on stable 
resources over a long period and highly qualified 
expertise. 
2.7.4. They should have access to the refinancing 
facilities of bodies such as the African Development 
Bank, the European Investment Bank and the regional 
banks. 
2.7.5. The European banking system should do more 
to assist local commercial banks in the ACP countries, 
which would be responsible for funding private sector schemes. Joint ventures would be the most effective 
way of boosting action by the local banking sector. 
2.7.6. We call for an apprisal of the activities of the 
Centre for Industrial Development and the European 
Investment Bank. If need be, adjustments should be 
made to their aims and financial resources to enable 
them to contribute more effectively to private sector 
development in the ACP countries. 
Again, we would repeat our request to be more closely 
associated with the CID's work. 
2.8. Uilization of local manpower resources 
2.8.1. Technical back-up services should be made 
available in all sectors, especially in connection with 
training, occupational hygiene and safety and public 
health projects. 
2.8.2. One of the main concerns of the new Conven­
tion should be to ensure training providing the indus­
trial labour force with the skills needed to operate 
installations. This is particularly vital as Lome IV 
should stress the importance of maintenance in getting 
the most out of equipment through rational deployment 
at the lowest possible cost, from the very inception of 
the project through to the operational stage. 
2.8.3. We are keen that financial and technical coop­
eration should extend to support for private ventures 
and that ACP private ventures, possibly receiving help 
from Community private partners, should be eligible for 
more flexible forms of financial and technical assistance 
under the general principles of the Convention. 
2.9. The investors concerned must underwrite the 
declaration of principles on multinational enterprises 
and social policy of the International Labour Organiza­
tion (ILO). Governments are requested to ratify and 
apply the conventions on right of association and mini­
mum social standards, as well as on child labour. 
2.10. Lastly, we reiterate our interest in the contri­
bution of private investment operations to the ACP 
countries' economic and social (including environment) 
priorities. To ensure that such operations are incorpor­
ated more effectively into any short, medium or long-
term programmes, detailed information must be pro­
vided. 
3. Role of ACP/EEC social and economic organiz­
ations 
3.1. Despite a trend towards more active involve­
ment of social and economic organizations, both in the 
No C 208/60 Official Journal of the European Communities 8. 8. 88 
ACP countries and at Commission and Council level, 
we consider that their participation in the spheres 
encompassed by the current Lome Convention is still 
insufficient. 
3.2. Yet greater involvement will become increasing­
ly vital in view of the significant impact that the new 
economic restructuring processes will have on the popu­
lation at large, requiring all socio-economic sectors to 
play an active part. 
Increased participation should operate in three ways: 
3.2.1. More extensive exchanges of 
information and consultation 
between the socio-economic 
organizations, including farmers. 
Closer liaison between economic groups and the ACP 
authorities responsible for implementing co-operation 
programmes, the Commission delegations and the 
Commission's departments in Brussels. 
We call for that the appropriate representatives of social 
and economic organizations in the countries concerned 
to be consulted on national indicative programmes from 
the planning stage onwards. They should also be closely 
involved in the identification, implementation, monitor­
ing and assessment of the schemes and projects resulting 
from the indicative programme. 
The socio-economic organizations complain of a lack 
of information about programmes and projects, making 
it difficult for them to identify their potential ACP 
partners. 
To improve the two-way flow of information and 
stimulate effective participation by social and economic 
organizations, Community delegations in the ACP 
countries should organize regular briefing sessions to 
provide all Community and ACP economic organiz­
ations with full details of the priorities of the indicative 
programmes. 
3.2.2. Direct involvement in projects 
The importance of actively involving the local com­
munity and groups in development projects is generally 
acknowledged. Micro-projects are one of the most suit­
able forms of action, as is borne out by their increasing 
prevalence. More dynamic participation by economic 
organizations and local groups, associations and co­
operatives, in conjunction with the work of non-govern­
mental organizations, would be desirable. Official 
forms of co-operation should be backed by specific 
sources of funding (which already exist in the case of 
Community NGOs) to provide as extensive and flexible 
cover as possible for the large number of schemes 
instigated by non-official groups. 
In addition, organizations representing EEC socio-econ­
omic interests could, for instance: — establish links between organizations in the country 
of origin and the host country, within the same 
undertaking, so as to facilitate organization, 
— assist with the training of members of corresponding 
ACP organizations to support a whole range of 
organizational activities, in particular administrat­
ive management, on-the-spot training, health and 
safety and collective bargaining, 
— help introduce extensive vocational training net­
works, 
— encourage the organization of farmers, craftsmen 
and other informal urban and rural groups. 
Co-operative organizations, particularly in the agricul­
tural and banking sectors, could provide valuable sup­
port for their ACP partners. 
3.2.3. Greater institutional participation 
Over the years, arrangements for the annual meetings 
between representatives of EEC and ACP socio-econ­
omic groups have developed satisfactorily. We stress 
that adequate financial and human resources must be 
earmarked for these meetings. Due consideration must 
be given to the resolutions adopted by this annual 
assembly to confer the force ascribed to them in the 
declared aims of the Convention. 
We are pleased that the contact group was able to hold 
its first meeting at the Lome Joint Assembly. It is very 
much hoped that a meeting between this group and the 
Council of Ministers will take place as soon as possible. 
4. Debt burden and raw materials 
4.1. The ACP countries' debt burden has reached 
intolerable proportions (US$ 112,5 billion, of which 
US$ 102 billion is owed by the sub-Saharan countries). 
Actual debt servicing in 1986 averaged 22% of ACP 
exports. Forecasts for the period 1986-90 indicate that 
the most heavily indebted African countries will be 
paying over 50% of their export earnings on servicing 
their debts. 
4.2. At the same time, falling commodity prices have 
frustrated efforts by these countries to promote and 
step up exports. In 1987 the Stabex scheme was able to 
offset only 20% of the losses incurred. Intermediate 
forecasts offer little hope of an upturn in either com­
modity prices or world economic growth. 
4.3. We have adopted, and forwarded to the various 
institutions, an Information Report on ACP indebted­
ness. Without wishing to go into details of our pro-
8. 8. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 208/61 
posals, we are committed to greater co-operation 
between the various partners. 
4.4. We agree with the Commission that the Com­
munity should do more to help ACP countries which 
undertake structural reforms. This structural adjust­
ment policy must not detract from the 'contractual' 
relationship which is a key principle of the Conventions. 
This implies additional Community funding, respond­
ing to the new needs of ACP countries in crisis and 
commensurate with the efforts to introduce reforms. 
Furthermore, the Community should ensure that the 
reforms which it backs are not only effective but also 
acceptable from the political, economic and social 
angles. 
4.5. In view of the serious and complex problems 
to be solved, a comprehensive economic development 
cooperation strategy needs to be framed and 
implemented. This strategy must take account of the 
ACP countries' financial plight and indebtedness (col­
lective and individual) to EEC financial institutions and 
official bodies in the Member States. 
4.6. The EC Commission will have to co-ordinate 
Member States' lending activities. Similarly, the Com­
munity will substantially boost the impact of its action 
if it encourages co-ordination of efforts to find solutions 
on an international scale. 
4.7. Solving the debt problem presupposes a recovery 
on the world market and the reorganization of world 
markets in raw materials to integrate the ACP countries 
more satisfactorily. The Stabex scheme alone cannot 
provide the answer to current commodity price prob­
lems. We urge the Commission and the Member States 
to press ahead with their efforts to achieve international 
arrangements guaranteeing producers stable and profit­
able prices, and applaud the Commission's success in 
reaching an agreement on coffee. 
5. Social and cultural co-operation 
5.1. We have consistently stressed that the social and 
cultural dimension of development must be taken into 
consideration. Development policy does not seem to 
have made sufficient allowance for these key principles 
of co-operation. To pursue an effective policy in this 
sphere and avoid the prevailing confusion, a clear dis­
tinction should preferably be made between these two 
terms, each of them with their own significance and 
importance. Specifically 'social' and 'cultural' measures 
should be provided for. As proposed by the joint assembly in January 1986, an ad hoc group consisting 
of representatives of the joint assembly and the ACP/ 
EEC socio-economic organizations should study the 
practical difficulties of implementing the social pro­
visions of Lome III. 
5.2. One of the major innovations of Lome III was 
to place emphasis on the training and development of 
human resources. This priority must be consolidated. 
We reiterate our consistent support for training and 
research. Obviously we welcome any steps to boost 
national scientific potential, and hence stimulate tech­
nology tailored to local requirements. We suggest the 
development of an extensive research programme in the 
ACP countries. 
The current state of affairs (see introduction) has gener­
ated huge and sometimes crippling social costs. Particu­
lar attention should therefore be paid to this aspect 
(employment, income, improved living and working 
conditions, education, health, participation, and so on). 
With this in mind, specific measures with appropriate 
implementing arrangements must be adopted. 
5.3. We note the lack of effective follow-up to Annex 
IX to the Convention concerning migrant workers. In 
particular, paragraph 3 of this Annex, advocating the 
promotion of appropriate training and assistance with 
micro-projects aimed at migrant workers wishing to 
return to their country of origin, should be propertly 
applied. 
5.4. All programmes or development projects must 
take account of the particular abilities and needs of 
women. More sustained action is needed, specially in 
the area of training, and specific schemes should be 
introduced to help women progress, especially through 
access to loans and credit. Generally we support the 
conclusions of the World Conference in Nairobi at the 
end of UN Decade for Women. 
6. Funding 
6.1. The funds assigned to the next Convention must 
be commensurate with the problems to be tackled. 
Consequently per capita aid for the aims already 
covered by Lome III must at least remain constant in 
real terms and provision made for appropriate 
additional appropriations for structural adjustment aid. 
No C 208/62 Official Journal of the European Communities 8. 8. 88 
6.2. In any event, both in the case of the Community 
and the individual Member States, we would like 0,7 % 
of the gross national product (GNP) to be earmarked 
for development aid. 
7. Other issues 
7.1. We have invariably taken a keen interest in trade 
relations, and wish to focus attention on two points: 
the potential impact of completion of the single market 
and the negotiations of the General Agreement on Tar­
iff and Trade (GATT). In both these fields, where it is 
still hard to predict the consequences, the Community 
will have to see that the interests of the ACP countries 
are taken into account. We intend to return to these 
topics at a later date. 
7.2. Most of the above coments on encouragement 
of the private sector, the role of the economic and social 
organizations, raw materials and social and cultural 
cooperation have considerable relevance for agriculture 
and the rural environment (in particular local crafts), 
bearing in mind the need for adjustments to take 
account of these sectors' very specific circumstances. 
7.3. Further, an in-depth study should be made of 
development of the service sector in the ACP countries 
and the need to include specific provisions on this point 
in the future Convention. 
7.4. Regional co-operation is one of the key objec­
tives of Lome III. To date the results have been unsatis­
factory. The small scale of many national markets, 
the need for diversification and creation of back-up 
Done at Brussels, 3 June 1988. industries and the duty to take joint action in the case, 
for instance, of the drought control campaign, are all 
factors militating for dialogue and sustained co-oper­
ation between the ACP partners. The future Convention 
should provide a suitable scheme of financial incentives 
for truly 'regional' operations. A greater effort should 
be made to help the countries of southern Africa become 
less dependent on South Africa. We deplore South 
Afrika's apartheid regime and call for stringent econ­
omic sanctions. 
7.5. Environment conservation in all forms, and in 
particular desert control and protection of forests, 
should form part and parcel of the various chapters 
covered by the Convention. At the very least, impact 
assessment studies should be carried out for all large-
scale operations. Care should also be taken to prevent 
the most pollutant activities being exported to the devel­
oping countries, which have a less sophisticated system 
of legal safeguards. 
7.6. Closer co-ordination is needed between the vari­
ous schemes launched by private and public bilateral 
and multilateral bodies (and particularly between the 
Community and the individual Member States) to avoid 
waste of human and financial resources and dupli­
cation. Here we are also in favour of discussions, and 
even association, with the countries of the European 
Free Trade Association (EFTA). 
7.7. Lastly, we wish to reiterate our unfailing com­
mitment to the respect of human rights. The organiz­
ations representing key economic and social groups 
which exist in the various countries also exercise con­
siderable influence in this field. 
The Chairman 
of the Economic and Social Committee 
Alfons MARGOT 
8. 8. 88 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 208/63 
APPENDIX 
to the Opinion of the Economic and Social Committee 
(Article 43, fourth paragraph, of the rules of procedure) 
The following proposed amendment was defeated at the Plenary Session. 
Paragraph 7.7. 
Add the following to the first sentence after the word 'rights': 
'... and our support for organizations representing key economic groups and social groups, as well as the 
churches, which exist in the various countries and exercise considerable influence in this field.' 
Voting 
In favour: 22, against: 25, abstentions: 28.