EP plenary session: Laima Andrikiene MEP on the trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand, 25 10 2017
Strasbourg. 25 10 2017
Madame Commissioner, Colleagues,
Australia and New Zealand are among the fastest growing developed economies, open and dynamic economies. Both countries have concluded numerous trade agreements with other partners as the EU does not have preferential bilateral trade agreements with either of them, EU businesses have comparably less favourable conditions to access these markets.
Our relationship with Australia and New Zealand has evolved over the past decades from a basic economic into a strategic political one that is based on common values, social and environmental standards, data protection and food safety requirements and so on.
Certainly, there are sensitive sectors in the EU Member States economies, like meat and dairy sectors, so their interests and concerns have to be reflected in the trade agreements and we have necessary instruments available to achieve that.
Also, it is extremely important that the negotiations are conducted in a transparent way and a strong sustainability chapter is a must.
!["I, Laima Andrikienė, swear ....". Part II - Minister](typo3temp/pics/925263d0ee.jpg ""I, Laima Andrikienė, swear ....". Part II - Minister")
!["I, Laima Andrikienė, I swear ...". Part III - MEP](typo3temp/pics/5ec4427246.jpg ""I, Laima Andrikienė, I swear ...". Part III - MEP")
