Por Redaccion 
Advances in new protocols in the coming weeks to open more markets
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, has reiterated the need to «negotiate» with the Donald Trump Administration to find a solution to the trade war, as he believes that it is not acceptable to negotiate with a 10% tariff as a starting point after suspending the 20% for 90 days.
«We do not accept a new normality in which that 10%, which is unjustified and unfair, has been imposed by the United States administration as the starting point for the discussion. We believe that negotiation is possible and necessary,» he stated after the meeting with the representatives of the agricultural organizations Asaja, COAG, UPA, and Unión de Uniones.
On the other hand, Planas has announced that in the coming weeks, new protocols will be known that will allow for the opening of more international markets in a context marked by «uncertainty» due to the trade war initiated by the Donald Trump Administration.
The Minister described it as «excellent news» to expand the presence of Spanish products in other markets. «In the coming weeks, the list of protocols is expected to be increased by new market openings. In this situation of uncertainty, it is the obligation and work of the Government of Spain to provide direction and certainty,» he said.
During this meeting, Planas explained to the agricultural organizations the agreements reached during the recent trip to Vietnam and China by the President of the Government, where memorandums and protocols were signed in Vietnam, as well as expanding trade agreements for pork and opening the cherry market in China.
However, Planas pointed out that the «priority» is to maintain and increase Spanish products in the European market, as well as in the United States despite the imposed tariffs, which are «unjustified and unfair.» «We believe that it is indeed possible and necessary to negotiate, negotiate, and negotiate until positive results are achieved,» he emphasized.
In this international context, the Minister also advocates expanding «open and existing markets,» such as Canada, Korea, Japan, as well as Mercosur, while noting that the European Commission is negotiating with India and there is a «possibility» of starting a trade negotiation with the United Arab Emirates.
Planas, who described the meeting as «positive and constructive,» reiterated that the agricultural organizations have demanded from the government a «firm defense» of Spanish interests, as well as greater transparency in the conditions of the Mercosur agreement.
«We are facing a new situation in which it is very difficult to chart a course to see where we will be in 60 days, as there are announcements and counter-announcements almost regularly and systematically. This uncertainty is not good and has been reflected in the markets and stock exchanges,» he said.
In this context, Planas stressed that the government is working to «find a response» to each situation, highlighting that Spain has been the first country in the EU to have a response and commercial re-launch program. «In the immediate future, one of the challenges is the trade war that we have neither wanted nor provoked, but which is obviously affecting and worrying, especially our producers and exporters, because many people are not sure what decisions to make,» he added.
During the meeting, the representatives of the agricultural organizations and Planas also discussed other issues such as the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), so the Ministry will convene another meeting after Easter to establish a «basic position» of response, as well as the plan presented by the European Commission for wine. «A common position must be defined,» he reiterated.
Another «great challenge» facing the agricultural sector is generational renewal, where Planas advocates for the incorporation of young people and women into the agricultural world, and proposes to design programs that are «effective» in achieving this. «We are a food and agriculture powerhouse, but we must not rest on our laurels,» he said.
FEIJÓO’S STATEMENTS ON THE DANA DEEMED «UNFAIR»
On the other hand, when questioned about the statements of the leader of the People’s Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, where he claimed that the government had allocated «zero euros» to address the damages caused by the Dana, Planas reiterated that it was the Government of Pedro Sánchez who had been there «from the very beginning.» «I think these statements are very, very unfair. I think it is very difficult to explain how the Valencian Government behaved. We are very clear in our conscience, and in the coming days, we will confirm the support we are providing,» he emphasized.
«I wish that in the current context, and I was referring to the People’s Party, they had the greatness to respond to a situation by saying ‘we support the Government of Spain in defending national and European interests.’ I get the impression that the current PP is too small for Spain, and it is very difficult to behave like a party of the State,» he lamented.
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