Consultation opportunities

12 June 2014 

Commission seeks views on negotiations for a green goods trade agreement

In January 2014, the EU – together with 13 other countries who are members of the World Trade Organisation – pledged to begin negotiations on a trade agreement that would liberalise world trade in environmental goods and services.  Now the European Commission is seeking views from interested parties, to guide its future negotiating stance on behalf of the EU.

Known as the “Green Goods Initiative”, the plan brings together countries who account for some 86% of international trade in environmental goods.  Other countries will also be free to join in.

In preparing to take part in the negotiations, the European Commission is keen to hear from businesses who offer these kind of goods and services, as well as any other interested organisations, about what its focus should be and what types of products / services should be covered by any trade agreement.  The survey also asks for feedback on the main types of green goods which are currently exported or imported and the countries with whom companies trade.

The deadline for any responses is 31st July 2014.  To find out more about the survey and how to take part, please contact the Enterprise Europe Network team on 0800 052 8156 or e-mail info@ee-yorkshire.com

Follow Chamber International on Twitter @ChamberInt.