Trade Policy Committee discuss EU-US trade relations and WTO modernization

EU-US trade relations, EU-China trade and World Trade Organization (WTO) modernization process were among issues that have been discussed on 4-5 March in Bucharest by EU Council Trade Policy Committee-Full Members (TPC-FM).

EU-China trade and investment relations were debated based on recent developments in international trade and considering preparations for EU-China Summit scheduled in April 2019.

Discussions highlighted the need for an active involvement of China in the process of modernizing the WTO and for strengthening the multilateral trade system. They also reflected the importance of keeping an appropriate level of ambition in the EU-China bilateral trade negotiations (Comprehensive Investment Agreement and Bilateral Agreement on Geographical Indications).

Another topic of discussion focused on the EU approach related to the WTO modernization process, in the context of latest developments in Geneva, notably at the WTO General Council meeting of February 28, 2019.

Finally, the TPC Full Members followed up on the recent developments of the trade relations between the EU and the US, in light of the political discussion that took place at the informal meeting of Foreign Affairs Council (FAC)–Trade, held in Bucharest on February 21-22, 2019.

Meeting was chaired by Diana Codău, Director of Trade Policy and European Affairs Directorate and Chair of the TPC – FM during the Romanian EU Council Presidency. European Commission delegation was led by Jean-Luc Demarty, Director General of DG Trade.

Source:Romania2019.eu