8 EU shipbuilding initiative (LeaderSHIP
2015)
| (25094)
15288/03
COM(03) 717
| Commission Communication: LeaderSHIP 2015 — Defining the Future of the European Shipbuilding and Repair Industry — Competitiveness through excellence
|
| Legal base | — |
| Department | Trade and Industry
|
| Basis of consideration | Minister's letter of 23 June 2004
|
| Previous Committee Report | HC 42-ix (2003-04), para 13 (4 February 2004)
|
| Discussed in Council | 26-27 November 2003 Competitiveness Council
|
| Committee's assessment | Politically important
|
| Committee's decision | Cleared
|
Background
8.1 We considered the Commission Communication on the EU shipbuilding
initiative (LeaderSHIP 2015) on 4 February 2004. We noted that
the initiative sought to ensure the long-term prosperity of the
European shipbuilding and repair industry and to make EU shipbuilders
(naval and commercial) and marine equipment suppliers world leaders
in their field by 2015.
8.2 In relation to trade policy, the Commission commented
that it supported the effective enforcement of World Trade Organisation
(WTO) rules in shipbuilding and that it had been particularly
active in tackling the unfair trading practices of the Republic
of Korea. We asked the Minister if the WTO Dispute Settlement
Procedure, which appeared to us to be protracted, was proving
effective in this case.
The Minister's reply
8.3 In her letter of 23 June 2004 the Minister of
State for Industry and the Regions and Deputy Minister for Women
and Equality (Jacqui Smith) provides a progress report on the
action being taken in the WTO against unfair competition from
Korea. The Minister explains that the Commission had been working
to achieve a bilateral settlement with the Republic of Korea,
but that when these attempts failed, the Commission began proceedings
in the WTO in November 2002.
8.4 The Minister explains that a WTO Dispute Settlement
Panel was set up in August 2003 and has since held two meetings.
The first was held in March 2004 and second was scheduled for
April 2004 but did not take place until 17 and 18 June, owing
to the death of the Panel Chairman. The Minister adds that the
death of the former Panel Chairman has led to a delay of several
months in the publication of the Panel's Interim Report and Final
Decision and that these are now expected in September/mid-October
and the end of the year, respectively, with a completion of the
WTO procedure in early 2005.
8.5 The Minister reassures us that the LeaderSHIP
2015 Advisory Group fully supports the Commission's approach towards
Korea and does not consider that any action over and above that
which is being taken within the WTO is necessary .
Conclusion
8.6 We thank the Minister for this further information.
In the light of the Minister's explanations, we are content to
clear the document.
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