The National Executive Council of the People's National Party (PNP) on Sunday called on the Government to pursue multilateral discussions with the private sector and trade unions before signing the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union.

In a release, the party cited concerns about the developmental impact of the accord, calling the inclusion of the Most Favoured Nation clause 'unacceptable'.

The PNP also made reference to opposition to the clause by some member states of the World Trade Organisation and African, Pacific and Caribbean grouping.

The MFN clause in agreements with developing countries was never intended to confer benefits on developed countries at the expense of developing countries, the PNP charged.