The Caribbean is the fourth ACP region to open EPA negotiations with the EU. In October 2003, negotiations were launched in both West and Central Africa, while Eastern and Southern Africa followed in February 2004. Based on the Cotonou Agreement between 77 ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) countries and the EU, a first phase of EPA negotiations took place between 27 September 2002 and 2 October 2003.
Sur la base de l'accord conclu à Cotonou entre 77 États ACP (Afrique, Caraïbes et Pacifique) et l'UE, une première phase de négociations APE s'est déroulée du 27 septembre 2002 au 2 octobre 2003.