Peter Mandelson speaks to eGov monitor on his role as EU External Trade Commissioner and highlights his views on a range of issues including rising protectionism and impact of trade on poverty alleviation among others.
Q1 You have been the European Commissioner for trade since 2004. Can you give us an insight into your role and the key priorities you have focused on since your appointment as Commissioner?
Since becoming Trade Commissioner my main task has been as the EU’s chief negotiator in the Doha Development Round of World trade talks – following on from the Uruguay Round these talks put Trade at the service of development - they are essential to tie down a fair set of global rules that will help all nations respond to changing markets. My priority has been to press for progressively fairer and freer trade in agricultural and non-agricultural goods so that all members of the EU and our trading partners can have access to each others markets.
Q2 As you have argued in a recent speech that Europe as the largest market and trading block in the world have made significant concessions in WTO agreements which have not been matched by US, Australia, Canada and others. Can you give us an insight into the Doha agreement and highlight the key issues that concern you with regard to our trading partners?
The EU has led the way allowing 100% duty and quota free access to our markets for the poorest developing countries – we have also put a comprehensive offer on the table offering real cuts in our agricultural tariffs. We have made that offer on the basis of what has already been a radical reform of our agricultural spending regime in 2003. What we want to see in return is offers of concrete cuts from our trading partners and a parallel reduction in tariffs for non-agricultural goods.
Q3 Over the past few months we see protectionism rising not only in emerging markets but in US, as well as some of our own member states. Most of these defensive measures are based on a appeal to voters who are perceived to have entrenched views. How do you think leaders can develop a coherent debate and allay the electorates fears?
I have been watching very closely the rise of so-called protectionism - on both sides of the Atlantic - as it is a trend that impacts upon my role as Commissioner for External competitiveness. I believe in openness both economically and politically – the lessons of the past in Europe have shown us that we are most successful we work together and break down barriers rather than putting them up in response to our fears – however well founded we think those fears might be. The single market is an example of just such a success. I think leaders should look to the long term benefits of an outward looking approach and try to reassure their electorates that the rise of China and others is not something to fear – a wealthy China and India do not mean a poor Europe and US.
Q4 Trade should benefit not only a chosen few but the poorest as well has been your ethos in your role as Trade Commissioner. Will it be possible to bring the benefits of globalisation and free trade help the poorest in Europe and the wider world?
You are right it is my ethos that trade should benefit the poorest and I really think that a successful outcome in the World Trade talks will help to lift people out of poverty in the EU and in the rest of the World. Furthermore the EU has pushed other developed trading partners to offer the same duty free and quota free access for developing countries as the EU already offers and coupled with assistance to allow developing countries to build the infrastructure needed to take advantage of free trade and effective EU policies we really are able to help the poorest.
Q5 In your opinion what policies should the European Commission and member states adopt to ensure we are a competitive and dynamic economy that benefits not the chosen few but includes the least fortunate in our society?
I believe that the emphasis of this Commission under President Barroso on delivering the Lisbon agenda is absolutely right – we need concrete policies that help Member States to respond to the challenges of globalisation and demography on many fronts. Promoting flexible but secure employment, ensuring that our workforce is highly trained and we have sustainable supplies of energy are examples of the policies that the EU must pursue to help boost a dynamic economy and protect the least fortunate.
