IUCAB CONCERNS ABOUT PROTECTIONIST MEASURES

by Secretary-general Mr. J.W.B. Baron van Till:

On behalf of the IUCAB Executive Committee, Secretary General Jaap van Till has sent a letter to the European Commissioner for Trade Mrs. C. Ashton expressing IUCAB’s concerns over any initiatives for the introduction of protectionist measures with a view to the current economic crisis around the world.

Whereas the commercial agency profession performs a key-role in International Trade and Commerce and considers the sound development of International Trade as a matter of priority, it has been publicly stated on behalf of the profession that open markets remain the essential pre-condition for a rapid recovery from the present economic crisis. In relation thereto, IUCAB has urged the European Union and the United States to take the lead in keeping the commitments not to introduce protectionist measures taken by the G20 in November 2008. Accordingly IUCAB strongly supports stimulus legislation in any country of the world which will prove the means to overcome the crisis at hand effectively, but strongly opposes initiatives to overcome the crisis by also implementing protectionist measures.

In consideration thereof, IUCAB has requested the European Commission for its continued support and efforts to achieve that the principle of open markets will be respected around the world in order to avoid negative effects on International Trade and to safeguard the interests of the commercial agency profession worldwide.