Ref. Ares(2016)1266978 - 14/03/2016
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Sent:
26 February 2014 17:03
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(TRADE);
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(TRADE); KONIG Helena
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TRADE);
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(TRADE); TRADE TTIP TRANSPARENCY
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EXT);
(TRADE);
(TRADE);
(TRADE-EXT);
(TRADE);
(TRADE);
(TRADE);
(TRADE);
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(TRADE);
(TRADE); NYMAN
Jon (CAB-MALMSTROM); LOBILLO BORRERO Cristina (CAB-ARIAS CAĆETE);
EHRING Lothar (SGUA);
(TRADE)
Subject:
JLD meeting with AMISA II, 26 Feb 2014
Report: JLD meeting with AMISA II. At the request of AMISA II (a non-profit organisation that organises
monthly meetings between high-level EU policy makers and industry), JLD met with a group of
companies for a breakfast meeting this morning.
Participants: ABB, Airbus Group, Allianz, Alstom, Basf, Bayer, Dow, Exxonmobile, Google, Gsk, Hyundai,
Hydro, Lyondellbasell, Michelin, Roche, Total
The 10-15 minutes speech by JLD was followed by an interactive discussion of more than an hour. Main
issues raised:
Several questions related to
TTIP. Asked about the possible bridge between the different regulatory
approaches on
chemicals in the EU and the US, REACH and TSCA respectively, JLD replied that TTIP will
try to find commonalities but always taking into account that TSCA and REACH are already well
established in both countries. Alstom enquired about
government procurement prospects in TTIP. JLD
replied that having an ambitious chapter on public procurement in the TTIP is a key objective for the EU.
ABB asked
IPR prospects and enforcement on TITP. JLD indicated that even though negotiations depart
from different IPR templates, certain commonalities will be explored, except for criminal sanctions.
Asked about how the EU is handling transparency, JLD replied that the transparency with which TTIP
negotiations are conducted is unprecedented. Exxonmobile enquired about the elimination of export
restriction on oil and gas in the
energy chapter and a possible agreement between the EU and the US on
enforcing provisions on export restrictions with third countries. JLD replied that the elimination of export
restrictions in TTIP should be bound. ROCHE enquired about the real approximation in regulatory
approaches on
pharma as this initiative has been already ongoing for more than 20 years. JLD indicated
that GMP is an important element for the EU. Other questions related to ISDS, data flows, differences in
regulation making, inclusion of financial services, and equity caps limitations.
On
India FTA, Roche asked on the state of the negotiations, especially on IPR. JLD indicated that the
negotiations with India are at an impasse because of the elections. On IPR the EU aims at getting national
treatment at least.
On
Mercosur/Brazil negotiations, Michelin asked about the prospects of an FTA and observed Brazil's
protectionist behaviour. JLD replied that the very recent Summit with Brazil was positive. On the
negotiations with Mercosur, it remains to be seen if Argentina will also engage in the negotiations. Brazil
remains the most offensive interest for the EU in the region with two main defensive points: beef and
poultry. JLD acknowledged Brazil's policy on local content requirements and commented on the dispute
settlement on car and car parts.
On
Vietnam FTA negotiations, Roche enquired about the possible removal of the legal entity. This is one
of the EU pharmaceuticals industry priorities and they were told that content could be sacrificed in
favour of speed. JLD replied that the EU never sacrifices content in its negotiations. He suggested the
pharma industry to approach the Vietnam's negotiating team of DG Trade. Michelin asked about export
restrictions' elimination in the FTA with Vietnam, notably on natural rubber. JLD replied that the
elimination of export restrictions in raw materials is one of the key objectives of the FTA and is high on
the agenda.
BSF enquired about the
environmental goods initiative and if chemicals will be considered as such a
good. JLD replied that we are at the beginning of the process that will start with the APEC list.
Finally, the moderator asked about the relation between
Trade and development, notably in connection
with the
Trade Facilitation deal. JLD replied that the idea that Trade boosts development is more and
more perceived as evident. This was sensed during the negotiations in Bali as developing and LDCs
countries (except for India) were keen in signing the deal.
[out of scope]
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