2002年6月WTO对欧盟贸易政策审议-中国代表团的发言(英文)
Statement of the Chinese Delegation
at the WTO Trade Policy Review of EU
July 24, 2002
Mr. Chairman,
First of all, we thank the WTO Secretariat and the EU Delegation for their efforts in preparation for this trade policy review.
Both reports by the Secretariat and the EU have outlined EU’s trade policy and economic development from 2000-2002, which present us with a comprehensive picture. EU is the third largest trading partner of China. Over recent years, the Sino- EU economic and trade relationship has witnessed a process of development and enhancement, and the momentum is very positive.
My delegation would like to compliment the sustained development and economic prosperity achieved by EU and its valuable contribution to the promotion of the multilateral trading system.
However, I have to point out with regret, Mr. Chairman, that there are some disturbing elements emerging in the EU’s trade policy, which cause great concerns in my country. Some of the trade restrictive measures taken by the EU aimed at protecting their domestic industries are inconsistent with WTO rules. I would like to give some examples which we believe deserves the attention of EU:
The first issue is concerned with the implementation of SPS Agreement. It’s known to all that according to article 5.1 and 5.6 of SPS Agreement, SPS measures shall be based upon assessment of risks and shall not be more trade-restrictive than required to achieve their appropriate level of SPS protection. We believe that trade policy and measures taken by any member shall be based on WTO rules and scientific evidence. Some of the EU actions are running counter to this principle. The import ban on all products of animal origin from China is a recent example. The excessively stringent standard on food safety for the purpose of protection of consumer health has in reality constituted a trade barrier.
The second issue is the implementation of the TBT Agreement. Article 2.8 of TBT Agreement sets out clearly the basic principles in the application of TBT measures. But the lighters Safety Requirements and Test Methods adopted by EU last April have ignored these principles. We believe there is no scientific basis to link the safety standard of lighter with its price.
Thirdly, China is taking note of the on-going enlargement process of the EU. We hope and believe that the EU enlargement should facilitate the further development of the economic and trade relations between the EU and its trading partners rather than constitute a further expansion of trade protectionism. We hope EU could take effective policy measures to prevent the adverse effect on its trade relations with its trading partners.
The fourth issue is on trade policies and trade restrictive measures. We are greatly concerned that there are still quota restrictions on Chinese footwear, ceramic and some agricultural products.
We are extremely concerned with the manner in which EU implemented the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. Although 7 years and a half have passed, most of EU’s quota restrictions in this sector, namely 222 out of 303, are still in place. While the EU maintains substantial quota restrictions against certain WTO members, EU removed its quota restrictions against some non-WTO members. This is inconsistent with Article 1.6 of the ATC and violated the fundamental principle of non-discrimination of the WTO embodied in Article I of the GATT.
The above mentioned examples, Mr. Chairman, do reflect the problems in EU’s trade policy. It’s the sincere hope of all WTO members, including China, that the EU will adopt effective measures to keep its trade policy consistent to the WTO rules and help create an open, fair and just trade environment.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
at the WTO Trade Policy Review of EU
July 24, 2002
Mr. Chairman,
First of all, we thank the WTO Secretariat and the EU Delegation for their efforts in preparation for this trade policy review.
Both reports by the Secretariat and the EU have outlined EU’s trade policy and economic development from 2000-2002, which present us with a comprehensive picture. EU is the third largest trading partner of China. Over recent years, the Sino- EU economic and trade relationship has witnessed a process of development and enhancement, and the momentum is very positive.
My delegation would like to compliment the sustained development and economic prosperity achieved by EU and its valuable contribution to the promotion of the multilateral trading system.
However, I have to point out with regret, Mr. Chairman, that there are some disturbing elements emerging in the EU’s trade policy, which cause great concerns in my country. Some of the trade restrictive measures taken by the EU aimed at protecting their domestic industries are inconsistent with WTO rules. I would like to give some examples which we believe deserves the attention of EU:
The first issue is concerned with the implementation of SPS Agreement. It’s known to all that according to article 5.1 and 5.6 of SPS Agreement, SPS measures shall be based upon assessment of risks and shall not be more trade-restrictive than required to achieve their appropriate level of SPS protection. We believe that trade policy and measures taken by any member shall be based on WTO rules and scientific evidence. Some of the EU actions are running counter to this principle. The import ban on all products of animal origin from China is a recent example. The excessively stringent standard on food safety for the purpose of protection of consumer health has in reality constituted a trade barrier.
The second issue is the implementation of the TBT Agreement. Article 2.8 of TBT Agreement sets out clearly the basic principles in the application of TBT measures. But the lighters Safety Requirements and Test Methods adopted by EU last April have ignored these principles. We believe there is no scientific basis to link the safety standard of lighter with its price.
Thirdly, China is taking note of the on-going enlargement process of the EU. We hope and believe that the EU enlargement should facilitate the further development of the economic and trade relations between the EU and its trading partners rather than constitute a further expansion of trade protectionism. We hope EU could take effective policy measures to prevent the adverse effect on its trade relations with its trading partners.
The fourth issue is on trade policies and trade restrictive measures. We are greatly concerned that there are still quota restrictions on Chinese footwear, ceramic and some agricultural products.
We are extremely concerned with the manner in which EU implemented the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. Although 7 years and a half have passed, most of EU’s quota restrictions in this sector, namely 222 out of 303, are still in place. While the EU maintains substantial quota restrictions against certain WTO members, EU removed its quota restrictions against some non-WTO members. This is inconsistent with Article 1.6 of the ATC and violated the fundamental principle of non-discrimination of the WTO embodied in Article I of the GATT.
The above mentioned examples, Mr. Chairman, do reflect the problems in EU’s trade policy. It’s the sincere hope of all WTO members, including China, that the EU will adopt effective measures to keep its trade policy consistent to the WTO rules and help create an open, fair and just trade environment.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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