H.E. Dorian Ford Prince at the Fisheries and Oceans Committee

On November 23rd, 2006. See this statement in context.

November 23rd, 2006 / 11 a.m.

Head of Delegation and Ambassador Designate, European Union - Delegation of the European Commission in Canada

On the cold-water shrimp, this is a unilateral concession by the European Union. We are under no obligation to open any tariff quota at all.

Secondly, the tariff quota of 6% is a matter of negotiation between the commission and the processing industry in Europe. The quantity of 7,000 tonnes is what the processing industry in Europe asks as a special derogation from our normal rule, so it is more a discussion within the EU than with supplier countries.

Finally, the quota. The commission has proposed to increase the quota from 7,000 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes.

Thank you.

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