AmCham EU Urges WTO Members Not To Give Up

The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) is deeply disappointed that WTO Members have not managed to reach an agreement at their ministerial gathering in Geneva. We urge the WTO Membership not to allow this failure to bury the Round and the progress achieved: negotiations must continue until a deal is clinched.

AmCham EU was shocked by the announcement that, despite unexpected progress on a long list of issues, the talks collapsed over one issue in the Agricultural pillar. We are disappointed because WTO members have never been so close to an agreement capable of reinforcing the multilateral trading system, of acting as a shield against emerging protectionist pressures and of boosting the global economy and its stakeholders in both developed and developing countries: large and small businesses, employees and workers, as well as consumers.

However, this is not the moment to give up. It would be a shame to lose the convergence reached on issues previously thought to be unresolvable. It would be unforgivable to send a signal of surrender, at a time when political leaders need to work together to tackle global challenges such as the threat of recession and climate change. We therefore urge WTO members to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible.

The American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU) is the voice of companies of American parentage committed to Europe towards the institutions and governments of the European Union. It aims to ensure an optimum business and investment climate in Europe. AmCham EU facilitates the resolution of EU - US issues that impact business and plays a role in creating better understanding of EU and US positions on business matters. Total US investment in Europe amounts to EUR 702 billion, and currently supports over 4.1 million jobs.