Trade fosters to growth and development
The Danish Agriculture & Food Council is of the opinion that the Danish EU presidency should make sure that strong focus is maintained on the EU trade policy strategy, which is part of the Europe 2020 strategy.
The Danish Agriculture & Food Council is of the opinion that the Danish EU presidency should make sure that strong focus is maintained on the EU trade policy strategy, which is part of the Europe 2020 strategy. This aim can be fulfilled by positively influencing the EU’s current trade policy agenda with focus on WTO negotiations (Doha Round) and the bilateral and regional free trade negotiations in which the EU is already involved. In addition, Denmark should aim at leaving its fingerprint on the political negotiations for an EU-Japan free trade agreement, which are most likely to be initiated during Denmark’s EU presidency.
These events can be used to focus on how important it is that the EU pursues free trade negotiations where Denmark has offensive interests, with focus on Asian countries and growth markets in general. The free trade agreement recently concluded between the EU and South Korea is the model to be pursued in future.
Last, but not least, it is key that the presidency helps focus on non-customs barriers that increasingly inhibit trade.
Furthermore, the Danish Agriculture & Food Council finds that Denmark should involve itself in the forthcoming development and trade initiative that originates in the European Commission’s trade policy strategy. The spotlight should be on the importance of the agricultural sector to growth, sustainability and food supply security in third-world countries – and on the role of Denmark in terms of furthering this process.
- Conclusion of one fair, balanced WTO agreement is essential.
- Regional and bilateral free trade agreements with strategic trading partners and growth markets must be given high priority.
- Enhanced focus on non-customs barriers.
- The agricultural sector must be spotlighted in the theme of development and trade.
- Need for pan-European standardisation of requirements in relation to trade with third-world countries.