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Enhancing Exports of Fruit & Vegetables to the EU |
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This seminar exposed the main outputs of a research study undertaken by a team of researchers of the National Agricultural Policy Centre (NAPC) in collaboration with Mr Garcia Alvarez Coque, FAO international consultant. Mr Garcia Alvarez Coque presented this seminar on 3 May 2003, describing the interests of Syria in improving its export performance of fruits and vegetables to the EU markets. In addition, he explained the reasons of the present absence of Syrian products in European destinations. Protectionist EU commercial policies and the low degree of adaptation of the Syrian produce to the recent developments are the main obstacles hindering exports. Furthermore, the lecturer emphasized the importance of the Association Agreement (AA) as the main tool for Syria to enhance its market opportunities, even though EU concessions will tend to be limited as suggested by a close examination of the agricultural protocols included in the AAs between the EU and several Mediterranean countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon) already signed. |