THE implementation of key aspects of a free trade deal between South Africa and the European Union is set to start in 2000, the South African parliament heard Wednesday. The draft agreement, which was finally concluded in May after three-and-a-half years of tough negotiations, will be discussed by the South African cabinet before the end of September, said Rob Davies, chairman of the national assembly’s trade and industry committee. Davies said less important parts of the deal, including clauses on rules of origin, could be delayed for years because they have to be ratified separately by the parliaments of the 15 EU member states. This will not affect implementation of tariff reductions and the deal’s aid provisions which can be “fast-tracked,” he said.