Archive Article: 2000/02/11
11 February 2000
uA NEW trade deal has been struck between EU negotiators and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries which will remove preferential trade arrangements enjoyed by the ACP bloc over the next eight years. To keep within WTO requirements, the EU has offered structural assistance of about k13bn as part of the deal. However, since some tariffs will continue until 2008, contravening global trade rules, the final outcome depends on the WTO renewing a derogation allowing this.
uAGRICULTURAL accountant Grant Thornton has acquired KPMGs Norwich office, taking its total of farming clients in the eastern region to over 500. Existing partners and staff will remain at the Norwich office, integrating accounts, taxation and farm business advisory work. Grant Thornton already has teams based in Bedford, Bury St Edmunds and Kettering. *