The European way to free, fair and inclusive trade

Today, the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce, together with EUROCHAMBRES and national Chambers from across Europe, sent a strong call to EU leaders and the Belgian Government to commit themselves to a positive and forward-looking EU trade agenda.

This call comes on the eve of a crucial vote on the CETA agreement with Canada which has acquired added importance given the unprecedented levels of uncertainty about global trade and the future of the rules-based international trading system.

The Belgian Chambers through the joint Chamber Declaration reiterated the importance for Europe to speak with one voice on common commercial policy, to revive long-stalled negotiations with partners in key emerging markets and to protect European firms and citizens from the consequences of unfair trade.

The world trading order is under the heaviest strain in recent history.  We cannot stress enough the importance to our national business community of a predictable legal framework for international trade.  This is all the more true for an open economy like in our country. Without international trade, there would be no Belgian economy,” says René Branders, President of the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce.

The European Chambers’ Joint Declaration on International Trade (in English) can be downloaded from here.


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