Dr Eliza Patterson, who specialises in international trade law and policy, today listed a number of pending issues tied to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement, describing them as "non-killer" issues which should not halt the agreement.

But she was quick to point out that it appears remote that the TTIP agreement will be finalised under the Obama administration.

Speaking during a discussion, 'TTIP: State of Play and Future,' organised by MEUSAC and the Embassy of the United States of America in Malta this morning, Dr Patterson explained that both the US Presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, are aware of negotiations but are both currently emitting a protectionist sentiment although such stands are common before an election, she said, also adding her personal belief that once the elections are over, an elected candidate would eventually come out in favour of TTIP.

Stefano Mallia, who moderated the discussion, said that he could not understand how it is being said that TTIP is in trouble when those involved in negotiations sound optimistic that an agreement would be reached.

He highlighted the fact that whether an agreement will continue to be sought or not does not only depend on the outcome of the US elections but also on events in France such as the French Presidential elections next year.

MEP Alfred Sant expressed his view that TTIP is "politically dead", highlighting that there is a big lobby against it. This is not just a question of electoral strategies but it is deeper than that, he said.

He pointed out that an assessment report made by the American Chamber in Malta (AM-Cham) to assess the impact on Malta's GDP should the TTIP go through, found that once TTIP is up and running, Malta will be the least country to benefit from this agreement.

David Sammut, Director, international economic relations, Ministry for Finance, said that "we are more positive on the substance of such negotiations," adding that the ministry is not "convinced that the AM-Cham study reflects the reality of the TTIP agreement aftermath."

He cited a European Commission study which puts Malta in a slightly better light, although Malta is at the bottom of the list in terms of benefits as a result of TTIP.

In a video message, MEP Roberta Metsola spoke of the need to have the right agreement in place. "I am acutely aware of voices who claim that TTIP is dead in the water. It would be premature for Malta to take a stand now; I know Maltese businesses have a track record of resilience," she said.

MEUSAC Head Dr Vanni Xuereb said that it is vital that we focus on this important dimension of the relationship between the US and the EU. The relationship is not only important from a political angle but also in terms of trade and investment."

"We need to find a way to crystallise the relationship between the EU and the US in a manner that is advantageous to both sides, he continued. He said that the discussion helped those present get a clearer picture of the state of play of the TTIP negotiations," he said.

US Ambassador to Malta Kathleen Hill thanked MEUSAC for the excellent partnership and coordination with the embassy. She said the US remains fully committed to the negotiations and looks forward to an agreement, one that will increase growth in both economies TTIP will give the US and the EU an opportunity to work together to raise standards based on shared values.

"Whatever we do in TTIP will not diminish the protection we have in place while both sides have agreed to minimise duplicative testing and inspections of manufacturing facilities and products," she said.

Dr Tanya Sciberras Camilleri, president, Am-Cham Malta also took part in the discussion. Members of the audience had the opportunity to raise a number of issues.

Permalink: Discussion held on the state of play & pending issues tied to the TTIP