Fischler Pursues 35% Increase in Argentine Beef Export Quota

BRUSSELS - Mar 4/02 - STAT -- The European Community will be asked to approve a 10,000 metric tons (MT) increase in its import quota for Argentine beef in an effort to help the country weather its current economic storm.

Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler, argued, "Extraordinary situations call for extraordinary responses. Argentina is suffering a major economic and social crisis and Europe has promised to help.

"In light of these unique circumstances, I will propose to the Commission the opening of an autonomous import quota of 10,000 MT for quality beef ("Hilton beef"), in addition to the annual quota for Argentine beef of 28,000 MT for the period July 2002 to June 2003," Fischler said.

"Again, the DU is showing it is a good customer and a good friend to Argentina. The DU is the first country to have reopened its markets for Argentine meat imports after the outbreak of Food and Mouth Disease. Now we are the first to take trade expanding measure to assist the recovery of the Argentine economy. I truly hope that other countries will join the DU in its move".

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