ACP: LOME CONVENTION

f.Commodities

The Convention contains a specific title devoted to commodities. This title is no longer restricted to agricultural commodities, but has been expanded to cover all minerals and metals. A Commodities Committee has been set up to monitor periodically the implementation of the Convention in the commodities sector and deal with matters of international cooperation (international commodity agreements, specialist working parties). The emphasis is clearly placed on the need to reduce the dependency of ACP economics on exports of primary products, by means of diversification and support for PMDT (processing, marketing, distribution and transport), and, at the same time, to restore the competitiveness of the ACP States' commodities on world markets.

g.Agricultural cooperation

To resolve problems connected with rural development and the improvement and expansion of agricultural output intended for domestic consumption and export. Particular emphasis is placed on food security, the role of women and the regional dimension of rural development. Various types of action are covered, in particular projects for integrated rural development, rural water schemes, protecting, preserving and stroing harvests, livestock, rearing, fishing, fish breeding, applied farming and stock-breeding research and the creation of agro-industrial units. A technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation has been set up under the supervision of the Committee of Ambassadors. Food aid has been included with a view to assisting the ACP States in achieving food self-sufficiency.

h.Cultural and social cooperation

Aims to promote better understanding and greater solidarity between the governments and peoples of the countries belonging to the Convention. It takes into account the cultural and social dimension, the promotion of cultural identities and intercultural dialogue and the utilization of human potential, particularly emphasis being placed on the role of women in the development process.

i.Human Rights

As a result of the mid-term review, a clause (Article 366a) was inserted under which aid to a State may be suspended if it breaches Article 5 (human rights, democray, the rule of law) of the Convention.