EU, Canada agree to end WTO dispute over biotech products

15 July 2009 15:13  [Source: ICIS news]

BRUSSELS (ICIS news)--The EU and Canada have agreed to settle their dispute at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over biotechnology products, the European Commission said on Wednesday.

Canada made a complaint to the WTO in May 2003 about the application of the EU's biotechnology legislation.

The settlement establishes biannual meetings between the two parties on issues regarding agriculture biotechnology.

The meetings are “aimed at an exchange of information that would contribute to avoiding unnecessary obstacles to trade”, according to the Commission.

“I hope we can follow the same constructive approach with Argentina and the United States,” said EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton, referring to similar disputes over biotechnology products with the two countries.

The EU’s discussions with Washington and Buenos Aires are ongoing.

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By: Philippa Jones
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