A framework for trade and economic cooperation between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States (except Cuba) and the European Community, which entered into force on 1 March 2000 for 20 years as the successor to the Lom Convention. It is based on five pillars: a comprehensive political dimension; participatory approaches to ensure the involvement of civil society in beneficiary countries; a strengthened focus on poverty reduction; a framework for economic and trade cooperation; and a reform of financial cooperation. The Agreement has several review mechanisms. Its trade aspects will be renegotiated after eight years to make them fully compatible with World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations. During this time (called the preparatory period), the European Community will give non-reciprocal preferential access free of duty and charges to products from ACP States. The Agreement entails wide-ranging cooperation in trade-related areas including, among others, trade in services, competition policy, trade and environment and trade and labour standards. See: ACP States