Press Release: EU launches new export help service for developing countries

The EU on 4 February 2005 launched an improved and multilingual version of its on-line Expanding Exports Helpdesk, intended to help developing country producers seeking to export to EU markets. The new Expanding Exports Helpdesk service includes new on-line features and key services are now available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. There was a new 'Market Place' service to facilitate deals between traders and an enlarged database of trade statistics. Work on the second phase of the system, which was planned to widen the range of information to cover product specific import requirements and internal taxation in the Member States was continuing, and should be completed during the first half of 2005.