Our expert Dr Marina Foltea adds voice to Geneva Chamber of Commerce event

Posted by Dr. Marina Foltea
On March 8, 2017
Brexit, business, NAFTA, protectionism, SMEs

The private sector is frequently rattled by the onset of trade barriers – often driven by a populist anti-trade agenda. As with Britain’s protracted exit from the EU and the USA’s departure from the NAFTA, misinformation or a misunderstanding by politicians of the economic implications of their proposed reforms makes it difficult for businesses to adapt.

These trade distortions, explains Trade Pacts Director and legal expert Dr Marina Foltea, are especially hard on small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

“In the conventional sense, trade protectionism – and variations in trade flows – is typically driven by countries wanting to safeguard their national industries,” she explains. “Large firms are able to deal with the ensuing shocks, given their resources to spend on specialised legal counsel and leverage to engage with politicians, but, it’s a very different story for SMEs. These smaller enterprises usually pay the highest price for trade protectionism.”

Dr Foltea will accompany four other trade specialists and academics on 14 March 2017 for the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services’ (CCIG) seminar on ‘New Protectionism and Trade Agreements: Threats and Opportunities for Companies’. The event, a must for Swiss companies, will delve into the complex investment agreements, accessible WTO tools, FTA developments, and other international mechanisms.

During her presentation, Dr Foltea will deliver an overview of new protectionist measures and their ramifications, as well as the international remedies to address protectionism. She will be joined at the podium by the CCIG’s Deputy Director, Head of International Affairs, Vincent Subilia; international commercial and investment practitioners Sabina Sacco and Dr Jorge A. Huerta-Goldman; and trade law professor, researcher, and arbitrator Prof Dr Petros Mavroidis.

Geneva-based Trade Pacts focuses on providing local and international companies highly qualified trade and investment law aid, which is also designed to be within financial reach of medium and smaller businesses.

“Our accomplished international team is able to advise on various trade-related issues, including the implications of protectionism on a specific industry or firm, offering solutions or alternatives to existing trade patterns,” says Dr Foltea.

Trade Pacts can also help these companies with well researched technical arguments for defending their positions and business to governments.

The CCIG seminar will be held on March 14 from 15:30 to 19:00 at the Chamber’s offices (4 boulevard du Théâtre – 1204, Geneva, Switzerland).

For further information or to reserve your seat, contact the Chamber on +41 (0) 22 819 91 11 or register here (Inscription).