The implications of EEC enlargement for the Asian Commonwealth countries

Abstract

For over a decade it has been obvious that the entry of Britain into the EEC would be likely to call for adjustments in the trading patterns of all her Commonwealth partners, but only comparatively recently have the lines heen clearly drawn for the period of intense negotiations which will shape the future trading relations of developing Commonwealth countries with the EEC. In a Joint Declaration of Intent relating to the independent Commonwealth countries in Asia, the signatories to the Treaty of Enlargement declared their readiness, from the date of accession of the new member states to the EEC, to examine with the above countries in Asia such problems as might arise in the field of trade, with a view to seeking appropriate solutions. In this paper, the trends and patterns of trade of the Asian Commonwealth countries, India, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, are examined, and then the different treaties and trade agreements which will determine the implications of the EEC enlargement. The impact of the harmonisation of British commercial policy with the EEC is discussed in general, and the specific problems of each country described. Finally some alternative approaches to the solution of the problems arising from EEC enlargement are suggested, and the implications for development assistance are described.