THE European Union and 71 African, Caribbean and Pacific states are expected to sign a deal in May renewing the Lome trade and aid pact which expires in February, Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Lindiwe Hendricks said on Monday. Under the new deal, ACP countries will get 13,8-billion euros ($14,1-billion) in aid over the next five years under the umbrella of the EU’s European Development Fund (EDF). South Africa is not a full member of the Lome Convention so does not directly benefit from the aid package but Hendricks said indirect benefits should accrue through trade.