Brussels, 22/03/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday the Foreign Trade Association (FTA) gave its response to the Commission's Green Paper on trade defence instruments: (http: //http://www.fta-eu.org/ftagreenpaper.pdf ) and reiterated its appeal for reform of the Community mechanism (EUROPE 9322, 9385 and 9387). FTA Secretary General, Jan Eggert stated in a press release that, “It is clear that the speed at which globalisation and the worldwide marketplace has developed requires a reform of the trade defence instruments legislation”. While welcoming Peter Mandelson's decision to submit this question to consultation, Eggert denounced the criticism made by the Commission for trade and industry and Europe, who he accuses of “muddying the issue”. Mr Eggert added, “I have heard comments such as 'anti-dumping does not affect retailers - except to lower their profits a little - but dumping does affect industry'. Such views have nothing to do with reality. The competitiveness of the retail and import sector can be critically affected by the imposition of punitive anti-dumping duties placed on the products it imports and sells. All sectors of the EU economy should have an interest in a trade policy which is transparent and predictable in all its aspects”. The consultation launched on 6 December by the Commission end on 31 March. A source close to the dossier says that the Commission is expected to publish a White Paper on its position that takes into account the responses of the stakeholders before summer. (eh)