Heinonen blames poor export markets on EU trade requirements

Heinonen blames poor export markets on EU trade requirements
By Joan Chirwa-Ngoma in Helsinki, Finland
Wed 28 Sep. 2011, 13:20 CAT

RIDICULOUS European Union trade requirements are a serious barrier to enhanced trade between Africa and Europe, says Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of Communications Veera Heinonen.

And Finnish Ambassador of the Department for Development Policy Kirsti Aarnio says economic growth is one of the key elements for development.

During a meeting with journalists from selected African countries, New York and London on Monday, Heinonen said most African countries are having difficulties to export goods to the European Union (EU) because of the requirements on exports that were prohibitive.

"Ridiculous EU rules are a problem; they are a barrier for African countries to have a healthy export market in the EU," she said. Heinonen said the rules put up on African exports to the EU needed to be reviewed.

"This is a debate that has to be brought up. EU will be debating this in the next few years," said Heinonen.

The EU was the world's biggest market for imports of agricultural products. For example, all agricultural products sold in the EU, either imported or locally produced, must comply with the EU requirements in terms of food safety.

This involves an integrated approach (from farm to fork) covering food and feed safety, animal health and welfare, as well as plant health. For such reasons, in the case of food products of animal origin, only establishments that comply with these requirements are approved for exporting to the EU.

And Ambassador Aarnio said African countries could get rid of poverty through the provision of development cooperation by developed countries.

"Finland is a small country and has limited resources. We cannot help all the countries…that is why we are supporting opportunities for Aid for Trade," said Ambassador Aarnio.