91998E2446

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2446/98

by Angela Sierra González (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(30 July 1998)

Subject: Activities of the Chiquita multinational in Latin America

Recent information published in various sectors of the media reveals a number of facts concerning the influence of the Chiquita multinational on US trade policy.

For example, at the recent FAO conference on bananas held in Rome in May 1998, the US delegation was accompanied by four "advisers", all of whom held senior posts in the Chiquita company (which was not the case for other banana multinationals).

The information also focuses on a number of facts which should be investigated, such as:

- the acquisition of land in Latin American countries by the multinational company, even in breach of legislation in those countries;

- cases of bribery in Colombia;

- significant financial contributions to political leaders heading the dispute within the WTO concerning the trade arrangements for bananas in the European Union.

Is the Commission aware of the degree of influence exerted by this multinational on EU policy with regard to international trade in bananas?

Is the Commission prepared to investigate the reports in order to bring to light the multinational's practices in Latin American countries?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 1998)

The Commission is aware of Chiquita's importance as a multinational company trading in bananas. Its representatives are consulted along with those of other companies trading in bananas and also producers within the framework of the consultative committee known as the banana expert group. The full composition of that group includes representatives of producers from the Community, African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) and Latin American countries, importers, distributors and consumers. However it is clear that the role of this committee is purely consultative. Decision-making remains the responsibility of the relevant Community institutions.

It does not fall within Commission jurisdiction to investigate Chiquita's practices in Latin American countries.