Joe Walsh
Ceist:49 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the input, if any, he had to the market access strategy put forward by EU Commissioner Leon Brittan; and the implications, if any, for Irish trade. [7462/96]
Written Answers. - EU Market Access Strategy.
The European Commission presented its market access discussion document entitled The Global Challenge of International Trade: A Market Access Strategy for the European Union in February of this year. The document suggests a sharper focus on market access by the Union, with action being taken both bilaterally and multilaterally. It has been the subject of detailed discussion at trade official level in the context of meetings of the Article 113 Committee, composed of representatives from all member states, including Ireland.
We welcome the document, particularly as it suggests what the Union should seek from the World Trade Organisation ministerial conference to be held in Singapore in December 1996 during our Presidency of the Union. More detailed papers on the various issues likely to figure on the Singapore agenda are expected from the Commission soon.
The document signals the Commission's view that the Union's trade policy has not to consider the opening of markets, resulting from the Uruguay Round and other developments, as a threat which it has to defend itself against, but as an opportunity to seize. As a small country dependent on trade, I believe that Ireland stands to gain from such an approach.