| Author (Person) | Davies, Eric |
|---|---|
| Publisher | ProQuest Information and Learning |
| Series Title | In Focus |
| Series Details | 7.7.03 |
| Publication Date | 07/07/2003 |
| Content Type | News, Overview, Topic Guide | In Focus |
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Trade Ministers from the EU Member States, the Acceding States and Mediterranean countries meet in Palermo on 7 July 2003 for the third annual Euro-Mediterranean Trade Ministerial Conference. The aim of the conference is to promote trade between the EU and the Mediterranean under the trade chapter of the Barcelona Process - the regional framework launched in November 1995 'to establish a common Euro-Mediterranean area of peace and stability and shared prosperity.' The Mediterranean countries which signed the Barcelona Process in 1995 were: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Cyprus and Malta (these last two are now due to join the EU in 2004). The Process foresees the development of a free trade area between the two regions by 2010. Trade agreements with six countries (Israel, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority and Tunisia) have already entered into force. Agreements with Algeria and Egypt are being ratified, and negotiations with Syria are underway. The EU and Turkey already have a customs union. Some 50% of Mediterranean countries' exports are sold into the EU, making it the region's main trading partner. The main exports are energy, textiles, agricultural products, machinery and chemicals. Top of the agenda in Palermo will be an initiative on a pan-Euro-Mediterranean system of rules of origin, intended to improve market access, increase the incentive for investment in the region and enhance economic co-operation between countries. The EU, EFTA and the countries of central and eastern Europe have been using a pan-European accumulation of origin system since 1997. Turkey joined in 1999 and Euromed Trade Ministers decided in March 2002 that the system should be extended to all Mediterranean partners. There is pressure to expand trade in services in the Euromed region as a way of further stimulating development and growth. Ministers are expected to adopt measures to simplify, harmonise and rationalise customs procedures in the Mediterranean countries and to agree measures concerning the approximation of legislation in the field of standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures. The WTO's Doha Development Agenda will also feature in discussions, prior to September's WTO meeting in Cancun. Algeria, Lebanon and Syria will reportedly be encouraged to accede to the WTO. Ministers are also expected to discuss the impact of the EU's evolving relations with its post-enlargement neighbours (the 'Wider Europe' concept) on the Union's Mediterranean partners. Speaking before the meeting, EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said: 'Now that the network of free trade agreements between the EU and its Mediterranean partners is almost completed, we must focus on fostering regional integration and ensuring that trade contributes to the development of the region. Common rules of origin, reduction of customs red tape and harmonised rules for trade are stepping stones towards these goals. And I am very pleased that we are making real progress: there's no point in working towards open trade with, and within the region if we don't sort out flexible rules for trade which encourage regional integration. It would be like having a top range Ferrari without engine oil.' Links: Eric Davies Background and reporting on the week's main stories in the European Union and the wider Europe. |
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| Countries / Regions | Middle East |
