East Midlands MEP working at World Trade Organisation’s Trade forum

East Midlands MEP Emma McClarkin has this week been present at the World Trade Organisation’s Public Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, titled ‘Why Trade Matters to Everyone’.

The forum was attended by trade representatives from across the world, providing an ideal platform at which the big trade issues of the day could be discussed, such as negotiations on the Bali Ministerial Declaration and negotiations between the EU and USA on a trade deal.

The Conservative MEP is working as the lead MEP for Trade on behalf of the party in the European Parliament, and attended the event in order to advance free trade across the world and provide opportunities for businesses in the East Midlands and wider United Kingdom.

Miss McClarkin said:

“Trade is an essential part of development, and is crucial to the economy, not just of the East Midlands and the UK, but to the wider world. Trade means growth and growth means jobs.

“It is also a vital tool in the relationship between the EU and developing countries, allowing people in the developing world to help themselves as opposed to relying purely on aid from the developed world.

“I believe it is more important than ever that we look outwards and build relationships with other parts of the world, especially those that have been booming as we floundered during the economic crisis.

“Trade is a priority for us. I have worked hard this week to ensure that the positive message for opening up trade is heard loud and clear, while building relationships with trade representatives from the Commonwealth and across the globe.”

Miss McClarkin is a member of the International trade Committee in the European Parliament and a member of the WTO European Parliament Steering Committee.