The implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) must be carried out collectively, by actors at all levels, local, regional and national, and based on action plans, according to a survey published on 18 November.
The conclusions of this survey conducted by Eurochambres, the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and the Committee of the Regions recommend that any major FTA should also be accompanied by an implementation action plan to support the work of these actors. Among these, regions and chambers of commerce play a key role in raising awareness and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local communities, the report stresses.
While the authors still find the FTAs “attractive”, their content could nevertheless be improved. They point out areas of uncertainty in these texts, particularly with regard to public procurement, and call for the simplification of customs and other administrative procedures.
The inquiry, on the basis of which recommendations will be presented to the Commission, will therefore provide a boost to all those, including MEPs (see EUROPE 12370/16), who are calling for better support for SMEs to benefit from these trade treaties.
The establishment of mechanisms to improve the implementation of FTAs is also on the agenda of the future European Commission, which should soon be in the driving seat (see other article). Read the report: http://bit.ly/SurveyTrade (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)