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(...) The economy's vulnerability to natural disasters was most recently demonstrated in late 2014 with the volcanic eruption on the island of Fogo. (...)

Cabo Verde spans the latitudes of the Sahel with a similar arid climate. It is resource-poor, except for fish, and highly dependent on imports of fuel, and food. It has a history of food aid needs (section 4.1.1). The country is also prone to natural disasters, as witnessed by the volcanic eruption on the island of Fogo in late 2014. (...)

Given the number of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are members of the ACP (African Caribbean and Pacific) group, Cabo Verde is echoed in various positions advocated by the ACP Group, in particular regarding the issue of SIDS' development specificities, their exposure to climate change, and in the context of regional integration.

Until the EPA enters into force, exports from Cabo Verde to the EU are subject to preferential tariff treatment through the EU's GSP scheme. In 2011, Cabo Verde became the first African country to be granted "GSP+" status and thus qualify for enhanced benefits for exports of goods and services. [30]

[30] The enhanced preferential access is granted to trading partners that ratify and implement international conventions relating to human and labour rights, environment and good governance.

In late 2011, the EU agreed to grant Cabo Verde GSP+ status by giving it preferential access to EU markets reserved for countries that have ratified 27 international conventions on human rights, labor rights, good governance and environmental Protection.

Having clarified the use of land, the back office proceeds to solicit detailed opinions of public authorities about the project (e.g. financial, environmental, or legal considerations). (…)

The West African Common Industrial Policy (WACIP) was adopted by ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, in Cabo Verde, in November 2010. The WACIP aims to provide the region with a competitive industrial base internationally, which respects the environment and is able to significantly improve people's standard of living by 2030. Its general objectives are to speed up the industrialization of West Africa, by promoting endogenous industrial processing of local raw materials, development and diversification of industrial production capacities, as well as to strengthen regional integration and exports of manufactured goods.

Table 2.1 Main trade-related legislation
- Subject: Energy
- Acts and orders: Decree-Law No. 1/2011 (renewable energy and IPPs)
- Chapter or Gazette ref.:
- Date: 03.01.2011

- Subject: Fisheries
- Acts and orders: Resolution No. 56/2014 (fisheries management plan for 2014-2015)
- Chapter or Gazette ref.:
- Date: 31.07.2014

- Subject: Taxation
- Acts and orders: Law No. 17/VIII/2012 (ecological tax)
- Chapter or Gazette ref.:
- Date: 23.08.2012

Imported goods are subject to VAT, and may also be subject to Special Consumption Tax and an Ecological Tax. (...)

Imported and domestically-produced goods sold in non-biodegradable packaging, or packaging generating waste (e.g. cardboard, paper, bottles, plastic and metal), are subject to an Ecological Tax (Taxa Ecológica). The tax is weight-based, and ranges from CVEsc 2 to 200 per kg on the weight of the product, inclusive of packaging (Table A3.3). The tax was extended to cigarettes, petroleum products, batteries, electronic goods, and tyres in 2012. [32] The tax is collected by the local tax authority when a local product enters the market and on imports by the customs authority at the time of importation. Exempt from the tax are materials used in the packaging of medicines and basic foodstuffs, goods sold to the State administration, and imported packaging materials for goods to be exported or re-exported. However, exported goods as such are not exempted from the Ecological Tax.

[32] Law No. 17/VIII/2012 of 23 August 2012. The law includes a table setting out the rates for all goods subject to the tax (Articles 3 and 7). The 2004 law determined the tax at a specific rate per unit of packaging for imported beer and soft drinks, or 10% ad valorem for empty packaging materials (imported or domestically produced). In 2010, the amended law extended the scope of the Ecological Tax to all non-biodegradable packaging, whether empty or carrying imported or local goods.