Union for the Mediterranean – Franck Riester attending the 11th Trade Ministerial Conference (videoconference, 10 November 2020)

Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, attended the 11th Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Trade Ministerial Conference today.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the state of trade within the UfM during the health and economic crisis and to propose ways to strengthen trading ties in the region. UfM members adopted a joint statement reaffirming their wish to work together to continue regional trade integration.

Mr. Riester reiterated that trade integration in the area had to respond to the need – identified in light of the current health crisis – to diversify and secure supply and value chains in order to bolster true European strategic autonomy. He called on the UfM’s members to continue their work on rules of origin, health and phytosanitary requirements, and the fight against piracy and counterfeiting. He also underscored the importance of developing a stable, predictable economic environment as well as fair conditions of competition.

Mr. Riester welcomed the launch of a joint reflection on climate and environmental changes, which will help ensure that regional trade is in line with our international commitments on combatting climate change.

To read the joint statement of the 11th Union for the Mediterranean Trade Ministerial Conference, go to https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2020/november/tradoc_159033.pdf.