(De Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Suriname has taken steps to protect the restrictions on the imports of secondhand cars that are in force because of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the region and Europe. Traders may import cars that are up to 8 years old and buses that are up to 15 years old. The car trade is divided about this and asks for flexibility in the strict regulation because of the crisis in Japan that has resulted in price increases. EPA demands that Europe and CARICOM establish a joint Trade and Development Commission (TDC) to supervise the trade agreement and constantly evaluate it. The inaugural meeting of the TDC was held in Barbados at the beginning of this month and Suriname placed its restrictions regarding the imports of secondhand cars on the agenda to prevent the EU from “putting its policy up for discussion” based on its free-trade principles.
