France Launches Prgm. in US to Monitor Trade Reprisals

Hoovers Financial News ^ | March 29, 2003

[nwrep]

France launches program to monitor US trade reprisals

March 29, 2003 7:37am

There is concern among French businessmen over whether they may be about to suffer the consequences of the diplomatic row between Paris and Washington. Already Republican congressmen have urged Donald Rumsfeld to abrogate a contract important to France, worth nearly 1bn dollars, involving the French company Sodexo which provides the catering for several military bases in the USA.

As it turns out the contract will not be affected, but the French are far from reassured and have in fact set in operation in the USA what they describe as alert networks. Marc Lebeaupin explains:

[Reporter] The publication in the American press of an advert calling for a boycott of a number of French companies and brand names has added justification to this monitoring operation. It brings together our country's diplomatic representations and the whole network of foreign trade bodies, including the managements of French enterprises.

The purpose of the operation is to make sure that the United States abides by World Trade Organization rules, that French groups are not sidelined from tenders, and also that French products do not fall victim to administrative skulduggery.

Foreign Trade Minister Francois Loos deems this alertness necessary, even though for the moment nothing untoward has happened:

[Loos] What we must be on the lookout for are the controls to which businesses are subjected. Our products must not be blocked by customs for unduly long periods, for example. There's a whole series of malicious actions that can be taken, but so far we have detected none and, on the contrary, the feeling is that our companies know how to defend themselves through the quality of their products.

[Reporter] This monitoring operation was reactivated three weeks ago. The last time it was used was nearly 10 years ago, at the times of France's last nuclear tests in the Pacific.

Source: Radio France Internationale, Paris, in French 1045 gmt 29 Mar 03

/© BBC Monitoring

Publication: BBC Monitoring International Reports

Distributed by Financial Times Information Limited - Asia Africa Intelligence Wire
Copyright © 2003 BBC Monitoring International Reports. All Rights Reserved.

[SolutionsOnly]

I'd much rather see a grassroots-inspired drop in sales than any sort of government sanctions, tariffs, or trade wars. I think it sends a much stronger message and has a greater effect.

[jimkress]

We've stopped buying anything from France or French companies. We won't start again until their government (and its attitude) changes.

[Principled]

The purpose of the operation is to make sure that the United States abides by World Trade Organization rules,...

I guess they've become so socialist that they don't realize that individuals can make their own decisions here in the US... including decisions to NOT buy products from our enemies.

Is the WTO going to come to my home to ask to inspect my pantry? LOL.

French are so self-important.

[walden]

Good for you! What the French really have to be concerned about is not governmental contracts or actions, but billions of small actions by a couple of hundred million Americans. They have NO way to fight that, and it's going to hurt more than they realize.

[modendrite]

You are correct in your analysis of the impact that a "tourist boycott" by Americans would have on the French economy.

Americans, in spite of the standard "ugly American" label, are excellent tourists from the economic standpoint. They tend to stay in upper tier hotels, do not scrimp on meals and are inveterate shoppers.

[irish4]

Went to a real expensive restaurant last night (not French), waitress asked if we wanted bottled or regular water...my response was bottled as long as it's not French. She said they serve Evian..I said forget it and you might want to consider making a change. She just smiled and said she would mention it to the owner. It's an admittedly small gesture, but it felt good!!

[nicmarlo]

There is concern among French businessmen over whether they may be about to suffer the consequences of the diplomatic row between Paris and Washington.

I will NEVER again buy FRENCH; LET THEM EAT CAKE.

[americanbychoice]

What the Europeans don't understand is the patriotism of americans. It is something very foreign to them. We don't need a Government to tell us what to do. Grassroots are working so much better. The best way we can get at the frogs is Tourism. Right now France is the number 1 tourist destination for Americans. We need to add a few 0's to that one.

[masadaman]

What would be the potential of every Freeper casually telling the manager of their favorite market that they are switching to a competitor untiil French-made or French controlled products are removed from the stores? Danone,French wines,etc. Here in the Bay Area of Traitors, French related items are seeing strong demand.

[blam]

"There is concern among French businessmen over whether they may be about to suffer the consequences of the diplomatic row between Paris and Washington. "

Americans should make alternate choices when buying. Boycott the French, period!

[tiki]

That's why we don't need any legislation boycotting French products. We Americans will vote with out dollars and my vote is no. WTO or not they can stuff it.

[F16Fighter]

"We've stopped buying anything from France or French companies. We won't start again until their government (and its attitude) changes."

Then prepare to never again buy a single solitary item from France. The Frogs are and will always be...arrogant FROGS.

[Eva]

Our local grocery store has made it a point to label the countries of origin of the cheeses, such as Camembert from Germany.

[sinkspur]

I'd much rather see a grassroots-inspired drop in sales than any sort of government sanctions, tariffs, or trade wars. I think it sends a much stronger message and has a greater effect.

And a much longer effect. People are creatures of habit. When soccer-mom-Susie starts picking up a bottle of Ozarka water instead of Evian, she ain't gonna switch back to Evian.

[masadaman]

Don't forget Belgium, equally complicit. Interbrew comes immediately to mind: no Labatt's, Dos Equis,Tecate, Stella Artois, Bass, and the green bottle menace from Latrobe, Rolling Rock.

[Lx]

LOL.

[areafiftyone]

FRENCH MILITARY WORKOUT

[M Kehoe]

Many people that I know are boycotting French products.

If any Frogs are reading/listening, Chirac, Elf, etc., ya'all don't even control your own assets in Iraq. The U.S. military does. 8^)

5.56mm

[the gillman@blacklagoon.com]

The Dutch sent a missile crew didn't they? I'd hate to have to boycott Amstel.

[RS]

"I cant believe they even have the nerve to call that an aircraft carrier."

Oh.. it carries aircraft - mostly around in big circles