Increased prosperity for the United States and the European Union depends on better cooperation and eliminating barriers. That was the message delivered by Frederick W. Smith, chairman/president/CEO of FedEx Corp., during a gathering of European policy makers, business leaders and international journalists in Paris on Jan. 17.
Continued liberalization of trade and breaking down regulatory barriers — such as aviation protectionism and archaic customs procedures — will ultimately expand choices and opportunities for the world's citizens and businesses, according to FedEx, which released excerpts of Smith's speech.
“There are several issues that France and all EU members must address to ensure that we continue to enjoy the free flow of goods and the benefits of world trade for all countries,” he said. “I compliment France for its farsightedness in concluding a highly flexible air services agreement with the United States. I would ask France and its like-minded European partners to encourage the conclusion of a similarly open U.S.-EU bilateral agreement.”
France and the United States reached an “open skies,” or bilateral air services agreement, in 2002.
“In Europe, the adoption of an open skies policy between the U.S. and individual EU member states would be key in helping both sides realize the full economic benefits of the global economy,” Smith said.
Regarding customs reform, he urged all nations to streamline their customs clearance processes to more readily facilitate global commerce and productivity. He added that productivity was key in a global economy that is being increasingly defined by goods that arrive “just in time.”
Melissa Campanelli covers postal news, CRM and database marketing for DM News and DMNews.com. To keep up with the latest developments in these areas, subscribe to our daily and weekly e-mail newsletters by visiting www.dmnews.com/newsletters
