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EC calls for free trade
Page 16
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• EC Commission chiefs aim to sweep away all controls on the imports of LCVs and cars from Japan.
At a meeting in Brussels they agreed that the five EC countries, including Britain, which limit Japanese vehicle imports must end these restrictions in the run up to the SEM.
"After 1992 we want to open up the car and LCV markets completely to free trade with Japan," says a senior EC official, "but it will probably be necessary to agree some transitional arrangements with the countries which at present impose restrictions. It could be 1996 or 1997 therefore before we achieve our aim."
The 17 EC commissioners did not mention imports of Japanese heavy commercial vehicles in their discussions, mainly because they are not yet exported to the EC in great numbers.
However, the EC official added: "It is not envisaged that exports of these vehicles should be subject to limits either."
The Commission's trade experts believe that Britain will go along with their ideas, but expect opposition from the French.