'Hidden' trade barriers alarm EU

China is the focus of much of Europe's trade efforts

The European Commission has pledged to tackle "hidden" trade barriers around the world in a fresh effort to build export opportunities for firms.

Brussels has adopted a new policy on market access, focusing on obstacles to trade in markets like China and India.

It wants more co-operation between member states and individual firms to identify restrictions and address them.

Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said trade barriers cost European firms 20bn euros (£13bn) a year in China alone.

Fair competition

Announcing changes to its 11-year old strategy on market access, Brussels said it would focus on key issues such as protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring stricter enforcement of global and bilateral trade rules.

Central to the strategy will be tackling the growing number of non-tariff barriers discriminating against foreign firms.

EU business relies on growing markets abroad to fuel economic growth at home Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner

These include the application of technical standards that increase import costs and red tape such as over zealous customs procedures.

The Commission said a distinction must be drawn between regulations needed to protect the environment and national security and unnecessary procedures.

"We need to ensure that European companies are able to compete fairly in those markets," Mr Mandelson said.

"EU business relies on growing markets abroad to fuel economic growth at home," he explained.

"This renewed strategy focuses on strengthening the work of the Commission, member states and business where it really matters - on the ground in our key markets."

The EU has been involved in protracted and high-profile trade disputes with the US, China and India in recent years.

Last October, Brussels announced a major reform of its general trade policy, prioritising bilateral trade agreements with fast-growing economies in Asia.