archives: WTO InfoUNICE meets Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy
From UNICE Newsletter, May 2003On 8 May, Commissioner Lamy attended UNICE's Executive Committee meeting. On that occasion, the three trade policy issues presently high on UNICE's agenda were discussed.
First, the Doha Development Agenda. UNICE, as a strong supporter of the negotiating process under way, expressed European business concerns regarding the lack of progress on agriculture and the number of issues yet to be solved before the September Cancun WTO Ministerial Conference. On the issue of « access to medicines », UNICE relayed the concerns of the European pharmaceutical industry and intermediate producers regarding the proposals currently on the table which go well beyond the Doha mandate. It called on the Commissioner to look for a balanced and well-defined compromise.
Second, trade disputes. UNICE appreciates the conciliatory approach adopted by the EU in the FSC and steel cases while simultaneously defending European interests. It hopes that the US will actively pursue the repeal of non-WTO-compatible legislation in the coming months so that sanctions will not be necessary.
Third, trade policy aspects of the Convention. UNICE expressed its full support for the extension of qualified majority voting to all aspects of trade policy. Regarding the proposal for a Foreign Trade Minister to be responsible for foreign policy, external relations and co-ordination of the Union's external action, UNICE considers that such a combined portfolio should in no way weaken the Union's ability to act in the commercial policy area and to defend the Union's commercial and investment interests with vigour. UNICE's Executive Committee also sought reassurances from Commissioner Lamy that the EU and the US would work together to strengthen the transatlantic economic relationship. Commissioner Lamy expressed his appreciation of UNICE's work and looks forward to future input.
http://212.3.246.117/1/FPIJPGLBGHIKBLEHOEGCBDGDPDB69DW3W19LI71KM/UNICE/docs/DLS/2003-01715-EN.pdf
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