The EU must remain committed to further liberalization of international trade
Participants in the Conference on Trade Liberalisation in Prague discussed a number of issues faced by the world economy in general and, in particular, the role of Europe in a global economy.
In the context of economic downturn and growing threats of protectionism, participants in the Conference on Trade Liberalisation in Prague discussed a number of issues facing the world economy in general and, in particular, the role of Europe in a global economy.
“It is important to resist calls for greater protection of national economies and raising new trade barriers amidst the worst economic downturn in decades”, said Czech Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Martin Tlapa at the conference. “In an era of interconnected global economy, it is important to ensure that markets remain open. Openness leads to higher productivity. And removing existing trade barriers strengthens competitiveness, stimulates innovation and encourages economic growth”, added Deputy Minister Martin Tlapa.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the best way to resist protectionism lies in further strengthening the multilateral system of international trade and accelerating its liberalisation. As the current crisis is expected to have an extremely negative impact on developing countries, it is essential to conclude the Doha Round in the near future; it is the best means to safeguard their economic development and trade. Participants in the conference have agreed that in order to maintain its position in international trade, the EU needs a transparent and predictable trade policy.
To mitigate the impact of the global downturn and to facilitate economic recovery, the EU needs to enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. Given a level playing field, EU companies and workers are capable of competing in the global economy. Therefore, the EU must remain committed to further liberalisation of international trade at both the multilateral and bilateral level.
The priority of the EU on the global stage must be the implementation of the “Global Europe” strategy, which offers a framework for the effort to conclude an ambitious agreement in the Doha Round, the rapid conclusion of bilateral negotiations with important trading partners, such as South Korea, and tackling non-tariff trade barriers.
For more information see the Calendar on the website of the Czech Presidency.
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Contact
Tomáš Bartovský
Spokesman of the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Tel.: +420 224 853 311
GSM: +420 602 508 328
E-mail: bartovsky@mpo.cz
Last update: 16.8.2011 15:47
