Minister Toivakka to informal ministerial meetings of EU Ministers for Trade and Development in Amsterdam
Press release 22/2016
1 February 2016
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Lenita Toivakka will participate in informal EU meetings in Amsterdam on 1–2 February. The meetings will begin in the configuration of ministers of develoment, followed by a meeting of ministers of trade. In addition, the ministers for foreign trade and development will have a lunch meeting, during which they will discuss the sustainability of global value chains and how these can be strengthened through the EU's trade and development policies.
"The challenges of sustainable development, such as measures to combat climate change, call for the private sector's active participation, and innovations, products and services. At the same time, companies must integrate the goals for sustainable development into their own practices," Minister Toivakka stresses.
The main topic on the development ministers’ agenda is the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy, which is under preparation. Finland emphasizes that the Strategy must strengthen the EU's coherence and solidarity. It must be based on the common values and clearly communicate the EU's interests to its partners as well. In addition to fighting threats, the Strategy must focus on building security. The second main topic on the ministers' agenda is improving the situation of refugees and host communities in Syria and its neighbouring areas. The discussion precedes the Syria Donors Conference, which will be held in London on 4 February.
"The international community must be prepared to support Syria and its neighbouring countries in the efforts to restore stability and human dignity in the area. Finland supports the EU's aim to double its pledge, made in the Third Pledging Conference in Kuwiat last year, and is prepared to markedly increase its own commitment," Minister Toivakka says.
The ministers of trade will discuss the future of the multilateral trade talks after the WTO's 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi. Finland considers it important that the WTO negotiations continue on either a multilateral or a plurilateral track. The discussion will contiue at dinner with WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, UNCTAD's Secretary-General MukhisaKituyi and OECD Deputy Secretary-General MariKiviniemi.
"It is good that the ministers now have an opportunity to assess the outcome of the WTO Nairobi Conference. Work aiming at the liberalisation of world trade will continue," Minister Toivakka notes.
The ministers will exchange opinions about the situation in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations between the European Union and the United States and about the way ahead. Finland stresses the importance of an ambitious and comprehensive agreement. The status of China as a market economy will also be touched upon. Finland will express its position on the matter after the Commission has issued its proposal.
Inquiries:
Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser to Minister Toivakka, tel. +358 40 352 0463
Sari Lehtiranta, Director, tel. +358 50 462 2539, (development policy)
Markku Keinänen, Director General, tel. +358 50 441 0154, (trade policy)
Jussi Nummelin, Desk Officer, tel. +358 50 430 2018, (Syria)