BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – September 2 is the new date for Caribbean leaders to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Europe, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) sources have told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

The signing ceremony is to be held here.

It was previously announced that the leaders would affix their signatures to the new trade deal by the end of next month.

It is still unclear exactly how many countries will actually sign although CARICOM has agreed in principle to the accord, which member states initialled last December.

At their summit in Antigua earlier this month, the heads of government gave broad commitment to the process, even as some concerns were raised about the trade agreement which replaces the old preferential arrangements between the Caribbean and Europe.

CARICOM Chairman Baldwin Spencer said leaders had "fully debated" the agreement, taking "quite some time examining the pros and cons".

"We recognise that there were issues involved, but I think in the final analysis we were able to arrive at a position which seeks to ensure that the process continues and that CARICOM will sign on the EPA with certain thoughts, in terms of ensuring that commitments will remain intact," said the Antigua and Barbuda leader.

The EPA, which will dictate future trade between Europe and the region, was negotiated between the European Union and the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries - comprised of the 15-member CARICOM grouping and the Dominican Republic.

CMC/dmb/vd/2008