VII Legislature No. 28 - October, 26 2012

Newsletter of the European Parliament Committee on International Trade

This issue's highlights

- Consideration of the Colombia and Peru Trade Agreement files - Hearing on EU-China Investment Policy - Delegation to Russia

Editorial: Alberto Rodas Gonzalez Coordination: Leon Peijnenburg (tel 2 28 32345), Lenka Dubarre (Tel 2 28 31734) Contributions: INTA secretariat, Chairman’s Office, Policy Department, EP Library, DG Trade

Legal disclaimer The content of the newsletter is drafted by the INTA Secretariat and is provided for general information purposes only. The content is only indicative and subject to changes. The Newsletter may contain links to websites that are created and maintained by other organizations. The INTA Secretariat does not necessarily endorse the views expressed on these websites.

Content

1. State of play on ongoing trilogue negotiations ..................................................................................3 2. Monitoring Group Activities .............................................................................................................3 3. Allocation of tariff-rate quotas applying to exports of wood from Russia to the EU .......................3 4. EU-Canada Agreement on customs cooperation - supply chain security..........................................3 5. EU-USA Agreement under GATT 1994 relating to the modification of concessions ......................4 6. Further macro-financial assistance for Georgia.................................................................................4 7. Development aspects of intellectual property rights on genetic resources........................................4 8. State of play on WTO accessions ......................................................................................................5 9. Amendment to Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 ...............................................5 10. Votes ..................................................................................................................................................5 11. Amendment of Decision 97/836/EC ('revised 1958 Agreement') .....................................................7 12. Amendment of Council Decision 2000/125/EC ('parallel agreement') .............................................7 13. Economic Partnership Agreement between Eastern and Southern Africa States and the EC ...........7

1. Transitional arrangements for bilateral investment agreements .......................................................8 2. State of play of ongoing trilogue negotiations...................................................................................8 3. Monitoring Group Activities .............................................................................................................8 4. Development aspects of intellectual property rights on genetic resources........................................8 5. CSR: promoting society's interests and a route to sustainable and inclusive recovery .....................9 6. CSR: accountable, transparent and responsible business behaviour and sustainable growth ...........9 7. Trade and investment-driven growth for developing countries.........................................................9 8. Trade Agreement between the EU of the one part and Colombia and Peru of the other part ...........9 9. Sustainability in the global cotton value chain ................................................................................10 10. Exchange of views with Members New Zealand Parliament .........................................................10 11. Bilateral safeguard clause of the Association Agreement between the EU and Central America ..10 12. Bilateral safeguard clause and the stabilisation mechanism for bananas of the Trade Agreement

between the EU and Colombia and Peru .........................................................................................11 13. Financing EU SMEs' trade and investment .....................................................................................11 14. Further macro-financial assistance for Georgia...............................................................................12 15. Award of concession contracts ........................................................................................................12 16. Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq ................................................12 17. EU-China Investment Policy ...........................................................................................................13

State-of-play of ongoing negotiations .....................................................................................................14 State of play on Trade Defence Instruments............................................................................................14 WTO Dispute settlement - recent developments .....................................................................................15 INTA Delegation visit to Russia..............................................................................................................15 Meetings held during weeks 40-43..........................................................................................................16

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Briefing notes & studies by the Policy department .................................................................................16 Previous workshops .................................................................................................................................17 Upcoming workshops ..............................................................................................................................17 Library briefings ......................................................................................................................................17 New books in the Library reading room collection (available for loan) .................................................18 Library weekly newsletter on International Trade...................................................................................18 Press releases ...........................................................................................................................................19 Important Meetings and Events ...............................................................................................................19 Useful links ..............................................................................................................................................19 Calendar of committee's meetings for 2012 ............................................................................................20

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The previous meetings of the Committee on International Trade took place on Wednesday October 10, 2012 (15.00-18.30) and on Thursday October 11, 2012 (9.00-12.30) in Brussels. The following items were on the agenda.

1. State of play on ongoing trilogue negotiations

Exchange of views

Under regular item, Members were given an update on the state of play of ongoing trilogue negotiations, and in particular regarding the proposals for the regulations implementing the bilateral safeguard clauses and the stabilisation mechanism for bananas of the Agreements with Central America (Rapporteur: Jörg Leichtfried, S&D) and Colombia/Peru (Rapporteur: Bernd Lange, S&D), as well as the MFA Framework Regulation (Rapporteur: Metin Kazak, ALDE).

2. Monitoring Group Activities Exchange of views

The Committee received feedback from its Monitoring groups on meetings held since the previous Committee meeting. Feedback was given from the Monitoring groups on Canada, Moldova, Mercosur and Russia.

3. Allocation of tariff-rate quotas applying to exports of wood from Russia to the EU

Exchange of views

INTA considered the proposal for a Regulation on the allocation of tariff-rate quotas, related to one of the bilateral agreements between the EU and Russian Federation in the context of the latter's accession to the WTO. The proposed Regulation is rather technical, containing provisions empowering the Commission to adopt implementing acts. The Committee has decided to apply the simplified procedure (Rule 46(1)) and adopted the proposal without amendment on 11 October.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Inese Vaidere (EPP), Vital Moreira (S&D)

Exchange of views: 10-11/10/2012

Responsible administrator: Miriam Korteweg Adoption in INTA: 11/10/2012 Procedure: 2012/0217(COD)- INTA/7/10257 Planned adoption in plenary: Nov-12 Lead committee: INTA

Related documents can be found here

4. EU-Canada Agreement on customs cooperation with respect to matters related to supply chain security

Consideration of draft recommendation

INTA considered the draft consent recommendation on a proposal for an EU-Canada customs cooperation Agreement on end-to-end supply chain security and risk management. INTA rapporteur Peter Šťastný highlighted the fact that the Agreement would reinforce international cooperation to secure the logistics chain of trade while at the same time facilitating trade for reliable business operators. Moreover, it would open the door for mutual recognition agreements on customs security. The Council authorised the signature of this agreement at the end of September. However, it still has to be formally signed; this is expected to happen before the end of year, thus enabling the Agreement to enter into force early in 2013.

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PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Peter Šťastný (EPP) First exchange of views: 17-18/9/2012 Responsible administrator: June O'Keeffe Cons. of a draft recommendation: 10-11/10/2012 Procedure: 2012/0073(NLE) - INTA/7/09236 Planned deadline for Ams: 8/11/2012, 12.00 Lead committee: INTA Planned adoption in INTA: 26-27/11/2012 (tbc) Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12 (tbc)

Related documents can be found here

5. EU-USA Agreement under GATT 1994 relating to the modification of concessions in the schedules of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania in the course of their accession to the EU

Consideration of draft recommendation

INTA considered a draft consent recommendation on a compensatory agreement between the EU and the United States to offset the increase in the EU’s external tariffs resulting from the accessions of Bulgaria and Romania, and the EU's enlarged customs union. This is a requirement set out in GATT 1994. The Chair explained that for the United States, the compensation for a less favourable trading position mainly results in increases of tariff quotas for imports of certain agricultural products to the EU.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Vital Moreira (S&D, Chairman) Exchange of views: 3/9/2012 Responsible administrator: June O'Keeffe Cons. of draft recommendation: 10-11/10/2012 Procedure: 2012/0167(NLE) - INTA/7/09979 Planned deadline for Ams: 8/11/2012, 12.00 Lead committee: INTA Planned adoption in INTA: 26-27/11/2012 (tbc) Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12 (tbc)

Related documents can be found here.

6. Further macro-financial assistance for Georgia

Consideration of draft recommendation

The committee considered a draft recommendation for second reading regarding further macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Georgia, proposing several amendments that were included in Parliament's first reading position (or unchanged by Parliament in Commission's original proposal), but were rejected or changed by the Council (disagreement over 'comitology').

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Vital Moreira (S&D, Chairman) Cons. of Council position: 17-18/9/2012 Responsible administrator: Martti Kalaus Cons. of draft recom. for 2nd reading: 10-11/10/2012 Procedure: 2010/0390(COD) - INTA/7/09075 Deadline for Ams: 15/10/2012, 12.00 Lead committee: INTA Planned adoption in INTA: 6/11/2012 Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12

Related documents can be found here.

7. Development aspects of intellectual property rights on genetic resources: the impact on poverty reduction in developing countries

Exchange of viewsINTA held an exchange of views on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, role of intellectual property principles in protecting them from misappropriation and equitable sharing of benefits from their commercialization, rights of indigenous people and local communities over traditional knowledge, bio piracy and the way forward. Members stressed the need to find a coherent solution on international level.

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PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Helmut Scholz (GUE) Exchange of views: 10-11/10/2012 Responsible administrator: Miriam Korteweg Planned consideration of draft opinion: 6/11/2012 Procedure: 2012/2135(INI)- INTA/7/09954 Planned deadline for Ams: 8/11/2012, 18:00 Lead committee: DEVE Planned adoption in INTA: 26-27/11/2012

Related documents can be found here

8. State of play on WTO accessions Presentation

The Commission reported on ongoing accessions which are nearing completion such as Lao PDR and Kazakhstan. A discussion took place on some of the challenges facing the WTO by the views expressed by some recently joined members, such as Ukraine and Russia, which could lead to delays in the accession of some neighbouring countries.

9. Amendment to Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 1528/2007 as regards the exclusion of a number of countries from the list of regions or states which have concluded negotiations

Votes

This item was postponed.

10. Votes

1) Allocation of tariff-rate quotas applying to exports of wood from Russia to the EU Rapporteur: Inese Vaidere (PPE)/Vital Moreira (Chairman, S&D) in favour against abstentions Vote on simplified procedure (Rule 46(1) – without amendment)

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2) Union Customs Code (Recast) Rapporteur: Cristiana Muscardini (PPE) in favour against abstentions Draft opinion as adopted 26 0 0

3) Trade and Economic Relations with the United States Rapporteur: Vital Moreira (S&D) in favour against abstentions Draft report as amended 24 4 0

4) Modification of concessions with respect to processed poultry meat between the EU, Brazil, and Thailand (Article XXVIII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994)) Rapporteur: Vital Moreira (Chairman, S&D) in favour against abstentions Draft recommendation (consent) 27 0 0

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5) Implementation of the Agreements concluded by the EU following negotiations in the framework of Article XXVIII of GATT 1994, amending and supplementing Annex I to Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs Tariff Rapporteur: Vital Moreira (S&D) in favour against abstentions Draft report as amended 27 0 1

6) EU Trade negotiations with Japan Rapporteur: Metin Kazak (ALDE) in favour against abstentions Draft motion for a resolution as amended

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7) Amendment of the Annexes to Protocols 1 and 2 of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the State of Israel, of the other part Rapporteur: Vital Moreira (Chairman, S&D) in favour against abstentions Draft recommendation (consent) 25 3 0

8) Implementation of the bilateral safeguard clause and the stabilisation mechanism for bananas of the Association Agreement between the EU and Central America Rapporteur: Jörg Leichtfried (S&D) in favour against abstentions Indicative vote on the outcome of the trilogue negotiations

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9) Agreement establishing an Association between the EU and its Member States, on the one hand, and Central America on the other Rapporteur: Pablo Zalba Bidegain (PPE) in favour against abstentions Draft opinion as amended 20 4 0

The final vote will take place during the INTA Meeting of 6 November 2012

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11. Amendment of Decision 97/836/EC ('revised 1958 Agreement')

12. Amendment of Council Decision 2000/125/EC ('parallel agreement') Joint debate

The Committee had an exchange of views with the Secretariat of the UNECE Transport Division and the European Automobiles Manufacturer's Association (ACEA) on the two agreements. The "1958 agreement" and the "parallel agreement" provide the legal framework allowing Contracting Parties to establish regulatory instruments concerning motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. The regulatory framework is instrumental for fostering and facilitating cross-border trade, since provisions established under the 1958 Agreement include reciprocal acceptance. The European Automobiles Manufacturer's Association (ACEA) emphasized the importance of global standards and regulations for the benefit of international trade. According to ACEA, the industry is currently actively involved in the worldwide legislative harmonization process. Members raised the importance of the UNECE framework in trade negotiations conducted by the Union. At the same time some expressed concerns regarding the democratic oversight of these key instruments for vehicle safety and approval.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Vital Moreira (Chairman, S&D) Exchange of views: 11-12/7 & 10-11/10/2012 Responsible administrator: Heikki Suortti Consideration of a draft reports: tbc Procedure: 2012/0099(NLE) - INTA/7/09490 Planned deadline for Ams: tbc Procedure: 2012/0098(NLE) - INTA/7/09486 Planned adoption in INTA: tbc Lead committee: INTA Planned adoption in plenary: tbc

Related documents can be found here: 2012/0099(NLE) and 2012/0098(NLE)

13. Interim agreement establishing a framework for an Economic Partnership Agreement between Eastern and Southern Africa States and the EC

On 29 August 2009 an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement was signed between the EU and 4 Eastern and Southern Africa states, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. This interim agreement was concluded to minimise any possible trade disruption for ACP partners arising from the expiry of the Cotonou trade regime, while maintaining progress towards comprehensive regional EPAs, when it became clear that full EPAs could not be concluded before the deadline of end 2007. Following the domestic approval in all 4 ESA states, the interim agreement went automatically on provisional application on 14 May. Consent of Parliament is still required for the full entry into force. During the last INTA meeting this item was added to the agenda to show the EP commitment towards rapid completion of the procedure. In order to be well informed, ambassadors of all 4 states were invited to present their views and expectations regarding the Interim Agreement. Ambassadors expressed their support for the agreement, expecting economic growth to come from it, but also called on the EP to increase the trade related assistance.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Daniel Caspary (EPP) First exchange of views: 10-11/10/2012 Responsible administrator: Leon Peijnenburg Planned cons. of a draft report: 26-27/11/2012 Procedure: 2008/0251(NLE) - INTA/7/00146 Planned deadline for Ams: 28/11/2012 Lead committee: INTA Planned adoption in INTA: 17-18/12/2012 Planned adoption in plenary: Jan/Feb-13

Related documents can be found here

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The next meeting of the Committee on International Trade is scheduled to take place on Tuesday November 6, 2012 (from 9.00-12.30 and from 15.00-18.30) in Brussels. The meeting will be webstreamed, except for the in camera items.

1. Transitional arrangements for bilateral investment agreements between Member States and third countries

Consideration

On 30 May 2012 INTA adopted the outcome of the trilogue negotiations, that have been held since July 2011, with the aim of reaching an early second reading agreement on a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing transitional arrangements for bilateral investment agreements between Member States and third countries (so called "BITs regulation"). On 4 October 2012 the Council adopted its first reading position on the abovementioned regulation, which INTA will now consider together with its draft recommendation for second reading.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Vital Moreira (Chairman, S&D) Planned cons. of Council's ´position and

recommendation for 2nd reading: 6/11/2012 Responsible administrator: Martti Kalaus Planned deadline for Ams: 9/11/2012, 12.00 Procedure: 2010/0197(COD) - INTA/7/10941 Planned adoption in INTA: 26-27/11/2012 Lead committee: INTA Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12/Jan-13

Related documents can be found here: 2010/0197(COD)

2. State of play of ongoing trilogue negotiations Exchange of views

INTA will continue with the regular item on the state of play of ongoing trilogue negotiations, and in particular regarding further macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Georgia (2010/0390(COD) on which the informal negotiations were held on 16 October.

3. Monitoring Group Activities Exchange of views

INTA will receive feedback on the activities of its Monitoring groups held since 11 October. Feedback is expected from Monitoring groups on Singapore and China.

4. Development aspects of intellectual property rights on genetic resources: the impact on poverty reduction in developing countries

Consideration of draft opinion

Following the first exchange of views in October, INTA will consider the draft opinion on development aspects of intellectual property rights on genetic resources, which seeks to balance the rights of indigenous people and local communities over traditional knowledge, principles of prior informed consent and of mutually agreed terms, access to genetic resources, principle of fair and equitable sharing of benefits, protection of biological diversity and promotion of innovation.

Calendar

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5. Corporate Social Responsibility: promoting society's interests and a route to sustainable and inclusive recovery

6. Corporate Social Responsibility: accountable, transparent and responsible business behaviour and sustainable growth

Consideration of draft opinions

On 25 October 2011 the Commission adopted the communication: 'A renewed EU strategy 2011-2014 for corporate social responsibility'. Both EMPL and JURI are drafting separate INI reports on this communication which takes account of the CSR activities and which proposes new initiatives in this domain. Bernd Lange (S&D) has taken over as rapporteur from Harlem Désir. During the INTA meeting, the rapporteur will present his draft opinion, which will include ideas regarding GSP+, CSR clauses in trade agreements and attention to CSR in investment treaties.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Bernd Lange (S&D) First exchange of views: 17-18/9/2012 Responsible administrator: Leon Peijnenburg Planned cons. of a draft opinions: 6/11/2012 Procedure: 2012/2098(INI) - INTA/7/09598 Planned deadline for Ams: 14/11/2012 Procedure: 2012/2097(INI) - INTA/7/09588 Planned adoption in INTA: 17-18/12/2012 Lead committee: JURI, EMPL Planned adoption in plenary: tbc

Related documents can be found here: 2012/2098(INI) and 2012/2097(INI)

7. Trade and investment-driven growth for developing countries

Consideration of working documentThe rapporteur will present a working document serving as a basis for the upcoming own initiative report on "Trade and investment-driven growth for developing countries". The working document outlines ways of enhancing coordination among donors and improving their cooperation with beneficiaries, taking into account new geopolitical context. The upcoming report will examine ways of better targeting EU trade and investment policies towards development aims in the light of changing global economic and trade landscape. During the debate, an exchange of views with the representatives of the OECD Investment Division is envisaged.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Tokia Saïfi (EPP) Exchange of views: 17-18/9/2012 Responsible administrator: Mindaugas Kojelis Planned cons. of working document: 6/11/2012 Procedure: 2012/2225(INI)- INTA/7/08738 Planned cons. of draft report. 26-27/11/2012 Lead committee: INTA Planned deadline for Ams: 7/1/2013 Planned adoption in INTA: 23-24/1/2013 Planned adoption in plenary: Mar-13

Related documents can be found here.

8. Trade Agreement between the EU of the one part and Colombia and Peru of the other part

Consideration of Amendments

INTA will discuss the Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru, where two identical amendments to reject the agreement have been tabled, and any possible follow-up to the resolution the European Parliament adopted on 13 June 2012 on the same subject. In this resolution, the European Parliament called on the Andean countries to ensure the establishment of a transparent and binding roadmap on human, environmental and labour rights, which should be aimed essentially at safeguarding human rights, enhancing and improving trade unionists‘ rights and protecting the environment. These roadmaps will now be discussed, before the final vote on the Agreement in next meeting.

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PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Mário David (EPP) Exchange of views: 26-27/3/2012 & 25-26/4/2012 Responsible administrator: Helena Halldorf-Romero Cons. of a draft recommendation: 29-30/5/2012 Procedure: 2011/0249(NLE) - INTA/7/06949 Deadline for Ams: 15/10/2012, 12.00 Lead committee: INTA Planned consideration of Ams: 6/11/2012 Planned adoption in INTA: 26-27/11/2012 Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12

Related documents may be found here.

9. Sustainability in the global cotton value chain

Consideration of draft motion for resolution

INTA will discuss a draft motion for resolution on sustainability in the global cotton value chain. The motion comes ahead of a possible EU accession to the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), the international commodity body for cotton and cotton textiles. The draft urges to fight against child labour, environmental export restrictions and price volatility by increasing transparency and traceability in the cotton sector.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Cristiana Muscardini (ECR) Planned cons. of draft resolution: 6/11/2012 Responsible administrator: Mindaugas Kojelis Planned deadline for Ams: 8/11/2012, 12.00 Procedure: 2012/2841(RSP) - INTA/7/10926 Planned adoption in INTA: 26-27/11/2012 Lead committee: INTA Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12/Jan-13

10. Exchange of views with Members of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee of New Zealand Parliament on mutual Trade and Investment relations

Members of INTA will discuss Trade and Investment relations between the EU and New Zealand with a delegation of senior Members of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee of New Zealand Parliament travelling to Europe. The purpose of the meeting is to strengthen parliamentary co-operation and to look at the mutual partnership from a broader regional perspective.

11. Implementation of the bilateral safeguard clause and the stabilisation mechanism for bananas of the Association Agreement between the EU and Central America

Votes

Following around-the-clock work by the EU institutions, a compromise was reached in view of a first reading agreement on the regulation implementing some trade provisions of the Association Agreement (AA) with Central America (CA). The final outcome needs to be endorsed by COREPER and by the EP, and therefore, further to the indicative vote taken on 11 October on the outcome of the trilogues, INTA is expected to cast its final vote on 6 November. The Regulation is aimed at providing the EU with a safety net to gradually adapt to the liberalisation which will derive from the entry into force of the Trade Part of the AA. On 13 September, the Plenary fully endorsed the position expressed by INTA in July, aimed at providing enough coverage for the EU economic sectors that will be most affected by the increased imports (such as the banana producers in the outermost regions of the Union). INTA also aimed to ensure that the provisions of the AA on Trade and Sustainable Development will not be neglected in practice, that there is a channel for civil society to express concerns, and that the decision making procedures are effective, transparent and based on up to date and reliable data. The EP should have an enhanced role as a democratically elected institution accountable to the citizens and be duly informed in order to remain actively involved and to properly follow up the implementation of the trade provisions of the AA.

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PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Jörg Leichtfried (S&D) Exchange of views: 29/2 - 1/3/2012 Responsible administrator: Mercedes Rodriguez Cons. of a draft report: 26-27/3/2012 Procedure: 2011/0263(COD) - INTA/7/07318 Deadline for Ams: 16/4/2012 Lead committee: INTA Adoption INTA: 11-12/7/2012 Partial vote on Ams in Plenary: 13/9/2012 Indicative vote in INTA:11/10/2012 Final vote in INTA: 6/11/2012 (tbc) Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12

Related documents can be found here

12. Implementation of the bilateral safeguard clause and the stabilisation mechanism for bananas of the Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia and Peru

Votes

This implementing regulation is very similar to the one for the Association Agreement with Central America, and both files were therefore negotiated in parallel with a very similar outcome. INTA will be asked to endorse the final outcome of the negotiations, a very important step leading to the possible implementation of this trade agreement.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Bernd Lange (S&D) First exchange of views: 29/2-1/3/2012 Responsible administrator: Helena Halldorf-Romero Cons. of a draft report : 26-27/3/2012 Procedure: 2011/0262(COD) - INTA/7/07320 Deadline for Ams: 16/4/2012, 12.00 Lead committee: INTA Consideration of Ams: 25-26/4/2012 Adoption INTA: 11-12/7/2012 Partial vote on Ams in Plenary: 13/9/2012 Final vote in INTA: 6/11/2012 (tbc) Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12

Related documents may be found here.

13. Financing EU SMEs' trade and investment: facilitated access to credit in support of internationalisation

VotesThe Committee will vote its own initiative report on the access of EU SMEs' to credit in view of international trade and investment. At a time when the promotion of SMEs and of their internationalisation is at the forefront of the EU policies, the rapporteur wishes to propose support to existing schemes and to offer innovative ideas to help European SMEs cope with the highest barriers which they face when they engage internationally. Whether for short term payments or long term financial commitments, SMEs experience difficulty in finding the credit solutions which are appropriate for their international activities. 74 amendments were tabled to the draft report and more than 15 compromises have been found. The report should contribute substantially to policies engaged by the European Commission and the Member states in 2013 in the field of support to SMEs.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Jan Zahradil (ECR) Exchange of views: 11-12/7/2012 Responsible administrator: Nicolas Dorgeret Consideration of a draft report: 3/9/2012 Procedure: 2012/2114(INI) - INTA/7/09002 Deadline for Ams: 27/9/2012, 18.00 Lead committee: INTA Planned adoption in INTA: 6/11/2012 Planned adoption in plenary: Dec-12

Related documents may be found here

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14. Further macro-financial assistance for Georgia

Votes

The committee will vote a draft recommendation for second reading regarding further macro-financial assistance (MFA) to Georgia, proposing amendments that restate Parliament's first reading position. No amendments were tabled by other Members.

Calendar

15. Award of concession contracts Votes

INTA will vote on the 3rd opinion in the Public Procurement package for which Gianluca Susta is rapporteur. Prior to the summer recess, the rapporteur had requested to extend the calendar for this file, in order to allow for Mr. Juvin, IMCO's rapporteur, to publish his draft report first. 23 amendments have been tabled.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Gianluca Susta (S&D) Exchange of views: 25-26/4/2012 Responsible administrator: André Corrado Cons. of a draft opinion: 11-12/7 & 17-18/9/2012 Procedure: 2011/0437(COD) - INTA/7/08528 Deadline for Ams: 28/9/2012, 12.00 Lead committee: IMCO Planned adoption in INTA: 6/11/2012 Planned adoption in plenary: tbc

Related documents can be found here

16. Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq

Votes

The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Iraq, the bulk of which is, in fact, a trade agreement, has been on the table for sometime. However, the adoption procedure had to be halted pending the official consultation from the Council. This has now been transmitted and INTA will vote on its opinion to AFET's report in November. Meanwhile, Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) has replaced previous rapporteur Emilio Menéndez del Valle (S&D) who had overseen the procedure until the consideration of the draft report. The new rapporteur has decided to take over the report without changing the content and thus the proposal for a positive consent remains.

PROCEDURE TIMETABLE Rapporteur: Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D) Exchange of views: 7/2/2011 Responsible administrator: André Corrado Cons. of a draft opinion: 15-16/3/2011 Procedure: 2010/0310(NLE) - INTA/7/04460 Deadline for Ams: 12/10/2012, 12.00 Lead committee: AFET Planned adoption in INTA: 6/11/2012 Planned adoption in plenary: tbc

Related documents may be found here

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17. EU-China Investment Policy Hearing

The EU is a major investor in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in China, and the Chinese investment in the EU is rapidly increasing. Trade and investment relations with China are vital for the EU and fall under the Parliament's competencies pursuant to the Lisbon Treaty. The recent EU-China summit expressed its strong position for starting negotiations on a bilateral investment agreement.

INTA has organised a hearing on EU - China Investment Policy during its meeting of 6 November 2012. A distinguished panel of experts comprising professor Daniel Van Bulcke and professor Haiyan Zhang from the University of Antwerp; professor Wenhua Shan from Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; Secretary General Dirk Moens from the EU - China Chamber of Commerce (EUCCC) Beijing, China, and Dr Lauge N. Skovgaard Poulsen from Nuffield College, Oxford, UK. The representatives of the European Commission and the Mission of the

Peoples Republic of China to the EU will comment.

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State-of-play of ongoing negotiations

Free trade agreements: tentative dates of upcoming negotiation rounds All dates are indicative and subject to possible changes and postponement.

Armenia 2nd round, 1-5 October, Erevan, Armenia & 3rd round, 3-7 December, Brussels, Belgium

Vietnam 1st round, 8-12 October, Hanoi, Vietnam & 2nd round 21-25 January, Brussels, Belgium

Mercosur 22 - 26 October, Brasilia, Brazil

Moldova 4th round, 19 - 23 November, Brussels, Belgium

Georgia 4th round, 26 - 30 November, Brussels, Belgium

Singapore 11th round, 6-9 November, Brussels, Belgium

Source: DG TRADE, European Commission, more info

State of play on Trade Defence Instruments

Key points of contributions to the public consultation on Modernisation of Trade Defence Instruments On 12 October the DG Trade published a summary of contributions to the public consultation on "Initiative on Modernisation of Trade Defence Instruments". The consultation was launched on 3 April, and closed on 3 July, in order to explore different ways on modernising the EU's trade defence instruments, by requesting from stakeholders their views on areas for possible improvements. This consultation came after the publication of an independent evaluation study on 16 March. According to the summary provided by the European Commission, 310 replies were received from a wide range of respondents. If there is a general opinion that EU's trade defence system is effective, there is nevertheless room for improvement. Proposals which are aimed at strengthening the EUs powers to tackle circumvention of trade defence measures provoke particularly strong support, according to the document. Regarding the fight against retaliation, the public consultation shows that it is a matter of serious concern for many stakeholders, since a third of the respondents had been subject to retaliation in the past. However, while many of them consider that the Commission should encourage cooperation in investigations, there is little support for the idea that this could be achieved through the imposition of fines or mandatory verification visits. On the issue of transparency and predictability, many respondents are in favour of improving transparency in trade defence investigations in general terms. The summary shows that stakeholders would welcome the drafting of guidelines on various TDI issues including injury margin, analogue country and reviews, and they desire involvement in the drafting process. While over 50% of respondents state that they did not experience difficulties in cooperating in trade defence investigations, almost three quarters agree that the SME helpdesk should be upgraded.

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The document also brings up other issues, like optimization of review practice or codification of the future piece of legislation, including the review of the definition of "Union Interest". The document also highlights various issues brought up by the respondents themselves, amongst others the need for tackle distortions such as dual pricing policies and export bans on raw materials; clarification of the rules of origin in the context of TDIs; greater support mechanism for SMEs; improving the possibilities to address circumvention/fraudulent practices. The European Commission's legislative proposal aimed at reforming EU's trade defence instruments is expected before the end of this year.

Summary of contributions

WTO Dispute settlement - recent developments

Latest DSU developments as of October 2012 In DS 353 (Boeing), the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) established a panel, on 23 October 2012, at the request of the European Union, to examine whether the US had complied with DSB recommendations (see the latest newsletter), and referred to arbitration a request by the EU to take countermeasures for $12 billion against the US. In DS 400/401 (seals) the DSB panel was established on 4 October 2012 at the request of Canada and

Norway. As a reminder Canada and Norway complained against the EC regulation prohibiting the importation and marketing of seals products.

In DS 432 (China Raw Materials II) the DSB panel was composed on 24 September 2012.

INTA Delegation visit to Russia

8 Members of INTA are going on a delegation to Russia to meet with EU officials and businesses on the ground as well as Russian authorities, companies and social partners, in order to follow up on Russia's WTO accession and to assess the state of bilateral relations, in particular the negotiations of the trade section of the new Agreement between the EU and Russia. A resolution by the Committee on these issues is on the agenda of October plenary session.

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Meetings held during weeks 40-43

October 3, 2012; Meeting with representatives of the European Ceramic Industry Association (Cerame-Unie)

October 5, 2012; Meeting with representatives of EU-Brazil

October 8, 2012; Meeting with representatives of the private sector on trade in greens goods and services

October 8, 2012; Chair of conference on "Immigrant Entrepreneurship and International Trade Policy", organized by UNITEE (European-Turkish Business Confederation)

October 9, 2012; Meeting with representatives of Canadian generics industry

October 10, 2012; Participant at breakfast debate on EU-ASEAN trade relations, hosted by MEP Daniel Caspary

October 11, 2012; Participant at conference on "More Europe: What headline-makers think", organized by Friends of Europe

October 17, 2012; Speaker at lunch-debate on "EU-US trade relations", organized by the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (TABD)

October 17, 2012; Meeting with the Ambassador of Honduras to the EU

October 18, 2012; Meeting with representatives of the European Branded Clothing Alliance

October 24, 2012; Meeting with the Trade Counsel for the committee on Ways and Means in the US House of Representatives

Briefing notes & studies by the Policy department

Pending Internal briefing note on Trade and economic relations with Central Asia External study on Public procurement Internal briefing note on the Trade and Economic relations with Russia External study on Managing the financial responsibility linked to investor-state dispute settlement

tribunals established by EU's international investment agreements Internal briefing note on US: Ways and means towards a future EU-US trade and investment agreement Internal briefing note on IPR protection in international trade (Post ACTA scenario) Internal briefing note on Automotive sector facing global competition Internal briefing note on Boeing-Airbus disputes: state of play

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Previous workshops

Workshop on CETA (Canada) A round-table on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada

took place on 10 October. High level panellists including H.E. David Plunkett, the Ambassador of Canada to the EU, Mr. Philipp Dupuis from the European Commission (EU's deputy chief negotiator for CETA) and experts from the academia (Professor Kurt Hübner, from the University of British Colombia, and Mr. Ramesh Chaitoo, from the University of Ghent) discussed with the Members and the public issues touching upon the political and economic importance of this agreement, the implications of opening up markets in various sectors and many others.

You can watch the workshop here

Workshop on the EU- Korea FTA

Policy department of DG EXPO and INTA organised a workshop on 16 October 2012 to assess the results of the EU - South Korea Free Trade Agreement, which has now been in place for one full year. Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, South Korea's Trade Minister Taeho Bark and Dr Stephen Woolcock delivered keynote presentations to the workshop, which was attended by nearly 200 interested stakeholders, interlocutors, regulators, representatives of the academia and Members of the European Parliament.

The participants considered that the real benefits of the FTA can only be seen in the longer run, but already based on the existing experience the results seem promising. However, the benefits are not distributed evenly and the outcome has been less positive for some industries. Moreover, the financial crisis casts its shadow on the current trade performance. In addition, issues concerning labour standards and corporate social responsibility were raised. A full report from the workshop will be available soon.

You can watch the workshop here

Upcoming workshops

Workshop on the Reform of the Trade Defence Instruments (date tbc) Workshop/round table on the trade and economic relations with ASEAN (tbc)

Library briefings

EU trade negotiations with Japan Library Plenary Briefings by Francesco Pontiroli Gobbi, 17 October 2012, 1 p.

"A "scoping exercise" by the European Commission and Japanese government on a possible free trade agreement was concluded on 31 May 2012. The Commission subsequently recommended to the Council that it authorise the opening of negotiations." Library statistical spotlight - EU-South Korea: analysis of trade Library Statistical Spotlight by Giulio Sabbati, 9 October 2012, 4 p. "The EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been in force since 1 July 2011. One year on, it is timely to look at trade between the EU – the world’s largest economy in terms of GDP – and South Korea – the world’s 13th largest economy. This spotlight shows trade in goods between the EU and South Korea. It also looks at trade in services, which is much smaller. Finally, the data are tied into real enterprises, in terms of the largest Korean and EU companies."

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New books in the Library reading room collection (available for loan)

European yearbook of international economic law 2012, Springer, 2012, 718 p.

From the content: " the 10th anniversary of China's accession to the WTO and its implications -- China–EU Trade Relations: A View from Brussels -- A New Landscape in the WTO: Economic Integration Among China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau -- Global Energy Markets and International Economic Law -- Energy Trade and WTO Rules: Reflexions on Sovereignty over Natural Resources, Export Restrictions and Freedom of Transit -- The European Union and Regional Trade Agreements -- The Impact of International Investment Agreements on Energy Regulation." This is an E-book

New frontiers in the philosophy of intellectual property, Annabelle Lever (ed.), Cambridge University Press, 2012, 342 p.

"The essays in this volume examine the justification of patents, copyrights and trademarks in light of the political and moral controversy over TRIPS. Written by international group of experts these essays introduce readers to the latest debates in the philosophy of intellectual property, whether their interests are in the restrictions that copyright places on the reproduction of music and printed words or in the morality and legality of patenting human genes, essential medicines or traditional knowledge." This is an E-book

International trade and investment agreements and foreign direct investment activities in developing and emerging economies: evidence from Japanese multinational companies, Marie-Ann Betschinger, Kovač, 310 p., 2010,

"Foreign companies often forego high profile corporate investments in developing markets fearing regulatory opacity, investment barriers, or political instability. Host and investor home governments can develop appropriate strategies to mitigate such risks and attract FDI into these markets. This study focuses on bilateral investment treaties and preferential trade and investment agreements and explores if and under which conditions these treaties promote foreign direct investment. "

Juggernaut: how emerging markets are reshaping globalization, Uri B Dadush, William Shaw, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2011, 257 p.

"The book explores the major trends associated with the rise of developing countries, including increased manufacturing, expansion in world trade, and, ultimately, improved living and working conditions, as well as the broad challenges those trends pose. They also identify policy approaches for dealing with the coming changes, such as reducing high import tariffs, forging new links in trade and finance through regional agreements, and encouraging private investments in specialized skills and R&D"

Library weekly newsletter on International Trade

The EP Library's weekly electronic newsletter covers EU positions, academic studies and press articles on International trade issues. Browse the archive and sign up. For more information please visit our Library intranet pages on International Trade Contact: Nils Hammarlund, Ext. 42871 and Odile Maisse, Ext. 46201

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Press releases

Start free trade talks with Japan, say trade MEPs but look out for EU car sector Press release - 11-10-2012 The international trade committee gave its green light for free-trade talks with Japan on Thursday, pointing to the huge gains for jobs and growth offered by deeper ties with Japan, a strategic partner of the EU. But negotiations should be suspended if Japan fails to remove barriers in key sectors including cars, say MEPs.

Important Meetings and Events

WTO events

30 Oct -1 Nov Trade Policy Review: Israel 13-15 November Trade Policy Review: Iceland 14-15 November WTO Parliamentary Conference (Geneva) 19 November Dispute Settlement Body 21-23 November Trade Policy Review: EAC (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and

Rwanda 4-6 December Trade Policy Review: Nicaragua

Events calendar 2012 Summits and Events

25-26 October 7th Asia- Europe Parliamentary Partnership (Vientiane, Laos) 5-6 November ASEM Summit (Vientiane, Laos) 9-12 November NATO PA Annual Session, (Prague, Czech Republic) 22-23 November PABSEC Autumn session (Tirana, Albania) 25-29 November 24th ACPEU JPA (Paramaribo, Suriname) November OSCE PA Autumn session 26 Nov - 7 Dec 18th UN Conference on Climate Change, Doha, Qatar

More info

Useful links

INTA Links:

List of INTA Members INTA Intranet & E-Committee INTA Internet

EU Links:

European Commission - Trade European Council Council of Ministers Cyprus Presidency

Other Links WTO Documents and publications

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Calendar of committee's meetings for 2012

The next regular meeting of the Committee on International Trade is scheduled to take place on Monday November 26, 2012, from 15.00-18.30 and on Tuesday November 27, 2012 from 09.00-12.30 and from 15.00-18.30 in Brussels. The annual calendar can be found here.

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