Commission optimistic over Seattle agenda

Date: 07/10/1999

By Simon Taylor

THE European Commission remains confident that multi-lateral rules on competition and investment will be tackled as part of the forthcoming world trade negotiations, despite US opposition.

The EU appeared to be losing ground in its battle to get both issues onto the agenda for next month's Seattle ministerial meeting last week in the face of fierce resistance from Washington.

But senior Commission officials claim that many other countries are in favour of the Union's agenda, including Japan, South Korea, some Latin American countries, and central and east European states.

They also hint that major agricultural exporting nations such as Australia and New Zealand, and many developing countries, might agree to tackle the economic chapters in return for greater concessions on farming. "This is very much an open issue," insisted one.

However, Washington still insists that the two issues should not be tackled during the forthcoming round, arguing that they are so complex that they could delay a deal beyond the three-year deadline unofficially agreed by WTO members.

The Commission is equally adamant that the Union will only stick to that timetable if the two items are included. "We are prepared to deliver within three years but only on a comprehensive agenda," warned one official.

The European Commission remains confident that multilateral rules on competition and investment will be tackled as part of the forthcoming world trade negotiations, despite US opposition.