Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-03-12-Speech-1-101"

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"en.20010312.7.1-101"2
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"Mr President, the cruel distribution of power between the rich and the poor was very much brought into focus in Seattle. In any event, the Commission last year committed itself to improving the position of the developing countries. Improved market access for the least developed countries is a case in point. The General Affairs Council, which was held at the end of February, also pointed along the same lines. The long transitional periods, however, for bananas, sugar and rice are most regrettable. Given the significance of their agricultural sector, market access for developing countries is crucial. High EU standards, with regard to the environment and health, should not embrace protectionism the developing world. Restricted market access is only appropriate for products which constitute a threat to health or the environment. The European requirements must be accompanied by assistance in meeting these standards, such as technology for environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes. As price competition is increasing, we need to shift our agricultural support measures from price intervention to direct income and investment support. Alongside this, the free exchange of services also impacts on the developing countries. Are their fragile economies given the opportunity to prepare for competition? Without a sensible policy, they will be overrun by wealthy and specialist service providers before they know it. Decision making in the WTO must give the developing world the chance to offer a counterweight to the interests of the rich trading blocs. After all, justice requires policy as well as the useful instrument of free trade. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation of the sound work done by the rapporteur."@en1
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