Ref. Ares(2021)1400307 - 22/02/2021
Ref. Ares(2021)2029622 - 22/03/2021
EFPIA EU Trade Strategy Webinar 24 September 2020, 2-3 pm CEST
Question list
[Art. 4.1 (b)]
The pharmaceutical industry always asks for stronger IP rules in FTAs and enforcement. Why
is this such a key point for the industry? How does this relate to the trade strategy?What are
the implications in the COVID-19 context?
Which are the key countries or regions that the pharmaceutical industry belvies should be a
focus of the renewed trade strategy?
You mentioned the threat of forced localisation in some countries, are there any alternative
solutions in your opinion and which ones? How should the industry work with the new DG
Trade enforcement structure to tackle these issues?
[Art. 4.1 (b)]
We see a much-increased degree of competition for R&D now that we race for treatments
and vaccines for COVID-19 - many countries are upping their game regarding innovation.
How can the Trade strategy best support and promote the EU's global competitive position in
a post COVID-19 world regarding innovation and R&D to fight the current and also future
pandemics?
How can the Trade strategy ensure that the EU's strengths in global trade and exports remain
and are safeguarded, especially when other countries (e.g. US) become more protectionist?
Based on the experience of the Trade for All strategy, in which areas do you think
cooperation between the EC and industry can evolve and how?
What are the concrete steps/measures that the EC and the new CTEO is planning to take to
ensure that trade agreements are duly implemented?
[Art. 4.1 (b)]
What is your view on the role of the multilateral trading system in supporting the EU's
strategic resilience and EU industry? What should the EU's main multilateral objectives be?
DG Trade has recently published a Concept Paper on a multilateral agreement for trade in
healthcare products, that includes proposals such as permanent tariff elimination for these
products. What is your view on such a proposal and any related benefits for EU businesses?
You represent various sectors and saw the impact of protectionist and harmful policies
implemented by some of the EU's trading partners in the spring. What do you think the EU
should do to mitigate the consequences?
[Art. 4.1 (b)]
You have carefully traced all trade liberalising and protectionist measures over time. Can you
say a bit about the link between restrictive measures versus trade liberalisation measures
over time? What was the initial March/April balance of trade enhancing and trade restricting
measures - and what is the balance now? And what would you expect looking forward?
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many calls for reshoring and bringing back
manufacturing. What are your views on this and in your opinion and are there other
alternative means to ensure economic growth post-pandemic?
What elements can be used as a driver for a renewed industrial and trade policy that
supports EU resilience and global competitiveness? What role can the innovative
pharmaceutical industry play?
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