The measures were agree by EU leaders, following an initiative by David Cameron, shortly after the floods. They introduce a temporary trade waiver that gives preferential access on 75 tariff lines – mostly textiles – to assist the country with its reconstruction.

However, the waiver has been blocked in the WTO by, amongst others, India and Bangladesh. Successful EU lobbying and improved bilateral ties between the countries have eventually led to the objections being dropped. Today’s vote clears the way to the agreement being retrospectively applied from January 1st 2012.

Robert Sturdy, European Conservatives and Reformists group trade spokesman and Vice-President of the trade committee, has been a strong advocate of the agreement in the parliament, fighting off attempts by Socialist MEPs to reject them outright when the matter came before the International Trade committee last May.

He said:

“This was the right response from the EU to the devastating floods of 2010. It is just a shame that it has taken so long to reach agreement.

“It was particularly regrettable that Socialist MEPs attempted to block this proposal in the committee. It was a simple measure aimed at helping vulnerable people and it was particularly mean-spirited that they put protectionism above people who needed our hand of friendship.”

ENDS
Contact: Robert on 0032 228 45294 or James Holtum on 0032 473 861762

Tuesday’s vote removes one of the final obstacles to theRussian Federationjoining the WTO as its 156th member and was seen as a victory against the significant bloc from the Communist party, LDPR and Fair Russia who voted against the motion. All that remains is a similar vote in the upper house and the Presidential signature to bring to an end a process that began with Russia’s application 18 years ago.

Since the WTO Ministerial Conference in December of 2011, where Russia’s application was formally accepted in Geneva, Russia has been working hard to implemented the associated conditions of the multilateral trading system.

Speaking shortly after the announcement, Robert Sturdy signaled a note of cautious optimism:

“As Parliament’s rapporteur on EU-Russia trade relations, Russia’s accession to the WTO is something that I have been following with a keen interest.”

“Trade between the EU and Russia is on the rise. The EU is already by far Russia’s largest market accounting for some 47% of all its trade and Russia is Europe’s 3rd largest trading partner. As Russia adapts to the rules based system that is the bed rock of international commerce, this relationship is expected to go from strength to strength.”

“However, we should not get too carried away. Protectionist barriers, knee jerk reactionary policies, and political sensitivities have tempered Russia’s relations with key markets. Although, Russia has recognised that market opening based on strict rules and obligations is key to attracting much needed investment, much nervousness remains over how Russia will act in reality.”

This news follows a nosedive in relations between the EU and Argentina over recent months. In March of this year, the Argentine Industry Minister Debora Giorgi contacted 20 major Argentine businesses and called on them to prevent imports from the UK by finding local alternatives. Also in March, the EU, the US and 10 other states wrote a letter of complaint to the WTO highlighting their concerns relating to Argentina’s continuous Import Restricting Policies and Practices. Similarly, the recent nationalisation of the Spanish company Repsol, which has been cited as a major reason for the EU’s moves in the WTO, has further alienated Argentinain the eyes of the EU.

Robert Sturdy, Conservative MEP for the East of England and Vice Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, has been very vocal in demanding that the EU stand up for the UK against the protectionist and illegal trade practices of the Argentine Government.

Commenting on developments, Mr. Sturdy said: “I have long been a proponent of the EU taking concrete action against Argentina in the sphere of international trade and I am fully supportive of the EU’s decision to file a suit at the WTO.”

“These developments are not surprising. The EU’s recent moves at the WTO follow a long chain of non-fulfilments of Argentina’s international obligations which have been built over a number of years. Argentina must realise that it must abide by the rules, or face serious consequences.”

“It is time for Argentina to stop harassing legitimate British and European business and economic activity”

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For further information contact: Robert Sturdy MEP– robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu

Tel: 01954 211790 or 0032 2284 7294

or visit

robertsturdymep.com

Also quoted on Public Service Europe – http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/1933/eu-considering-wto-complaint-against-argentina

The WTO Ministerial Conference, which is usually held every two years, is a high level meeting of all countries and customs unions to discuss important trade issues and make decisions on all matters under any of the multilateral trade agreements.

Mr. Sturdy, who is attending as part of the European Parliaments Trade Delegation, commented on the conference:

“Although it is now clear that a deal surrounding the Doha Development Round is dead, it is encouraging to see that the WTO is still making progress on multilateral level”

“This year’s ministerial conference has seen the conclusion of Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), the accession of new members including Russia and strong pledges against protectionism and the imposition of trade barriers”

“The conclusion of the GPA is an important step in the opening of markets, the dismantling barriers and boosting growth opportunities throughout the global economy. This has been a priority for the EU and is something that I have worked hard to ensure through my recent report on Barriers to Trade which was adopted by the Parliament this week. It is estimated that this agreement will open up extra procurement opportunities worth around £85 billion”

“One of the reasons that we have the WTO is to bring improved global governance and a more stable trading environment to the world economy and the more countries that are included in this system the better. Having four new members, including an important economy such as Russia, can only add strength to this system”

Ends

For further information contact: Robert Sturdy MEP– robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu

Tel: 01954 211790 or 0032 2284 7294

or visit

robertsturdymep.com

On the 16th of September 2011, the European Council, led by David Cameron agreed on a package of measures to help Pakistan recover from the flood, including additional humanitarian assistance and an increase of Pakistan’s market access to the EU. These measures, drafted by the Commission,  eliminated tariffs on 75 product lines covering 27% of Pakistan’s exports to the EU, all with the aim of boosting Pakistan’s exports by €100m per year.

Although the removal of the Indian veto eliminates a major obstacle to the implementation of the EU proposals, Bangladesh has signalled that it is still opposed to the measures. Under WTO rules, all countries must agree to these temporary preferences for them to come into effect.

Robert Sturdy, Vice-Chairman of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee and a major supporter of these measures in the European Parliament, said:

“The news that India has removed its opposition is encouraging, especially as EU and India negotiators are currently working to draft a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. The withdrawal of their opposition to these much needed measures sends a strong signal that they are indeed committed to free and fair trade in the interest of development.”

“These proposals are designed to help some of the poorest people in Pakistan recover from a major natural catastrophe for a two year period. The sooner that they are implemented the better”

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For further information contact: Robert Sturdy MEP– robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu

Tel: 01954 211790 or 0032 2284 7294

or visit

robertsturdymep.com

 The ruling will provide a boost to European companies such as Airbus who are fighting for an increased share in the global aviation market.

Robert Sturdy MEP, Conservative Spokesman on International Trade, said:

 ’I am fully supportive of the WTO and its principles of free and unimpeded international trade. I welcome the ruling on this matter and I hope that the issue will be resolve quickly and amicably, with both sides coming to a mutually agreed solution’.

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For further information contact: Robert Sturdy MEP– robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu

Tel: 0032 22837294