Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
869. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the current position with regard to the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment trade negotiations on the way Ireland and the European Union are addressing issues which relate to EU African trade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22744/16]
View answerThe 13th formal round of the EU-US free trade negotiations took place from 11–15 July, 2016 in Brussels. The European Commission publishes a summary of the state of play after the round, which is available on its website. During the round, the negotiators discussed all three pillars of the agreement, namely market access for EU and US companies, regulatory cooperation and trade rules.
A dedicated chapter for small and medium firms has been created, in order to facilitate trade for SMEs by eliminating excessive fees and charges, and by streamlining the processes involved in the export of goods.
During the round, Intensive discussions were held on trade and sustainable development, including labour and the environment. A proposal was put forward for a chapter on energy and raw materials which includes proposals to promote green innovations and trade in green technologies. This is also available to view on the Commission website.
The indications from studies undertaken to date are that TTIP will bring gains for third countries because more growth in the EU and US would increase demand for exports of raw materials, components and finished products from other countries. The Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment on TTIP draft interim Technical Report by Ecorys published last May found that many African countries will benefit from increased demand for their export products as a result of trade creation between the EU and US if TTIP is concluded.
In addition, the institutions under the 2000 Cotonou Agreement are providing a positive framework for the European Union to update African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries on the progress of the TTIP negotiations and to receive feedback on potential impacts from ACP countries and to inform the negotiations. Furthermore, the EU Trade and Investment Strategy launched in October 2015 committed to propose, in the context of TTIP, options that reinforce broader international regulatory cooperation and have positive spill over effects for third countries, in particular developing countries.
