Actions
- We seek to influence trade policy at the International, European and national levels in a transparent and open manner:
The FTA is based in Brussels to be close to the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, the strategic actors of the European decisive and legislative process.
At the international level, the long-term switches in trade policy influencing the day to day business are set in Geneva which is the seat of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and of other international organisations with relevant to trade. The FTA is active in Geneva, has access to the influential decision makers and collaborates closely with governmental organisations, as e.g. the ITCB, the International Textile and Clothing Bureau.
It is important to be active at the National level also since the decisions of the European Union are made by the Council of Ministers, the European institution representing the national governments. Hence, the FTA conducts regional conferences for their members that are also attended by representatives of the governments of the Member States.
- We develop constructive dialogue with policy-makers, public authorities, embassies and media in Europe and third countries in order to voice our members´ concerns directly:
The FTA maintains a close relationship with the European Institutions and thus is in the position to achieve results quickly. It fights against all protectionist tendencies of the foreign trade policy of the European Union. The FTA keeps also up intensive and permanent contacts with the governments and diplomatic representations of the supplier countries and maintains personal relations at Ministerial level. Therefore, the FTA is able to intervene directly in the exporting countries whenever difficulties arise. It also reports on new purchasing markets and on purchasing sources.
- We are involved in all debates concerning international trade issues that affect our members:
It concerns especially WTO and bilateral agreements, quantitative restrictions, tariffs, anti-dumping proceedings and other trade barriers. The FTA also deals with all rules with regard to environmental and consumer protection at European and international level that impede foreign trade activities.Moreover, it advices its Members with a view to the application of these legal acts.
- We contribute to discussions and consultations on international trade issues of particular importance through our position papers:
We distribute, explain and defend our position papers when meeting with International, EU and National officials.