THE HAGUE, 06/10/09 - The Netherlands wants the EU to get rid of the duties on cheap shoes from countries like China and Vietnam.

"I am pushing in the EU for maintaining open markets and free trade under fair competition conditions, as that benefits Dutch companies, employees and consumers most. This means that anti-dumping measures (...) should only be imposed if this is in the broader interests of the European Community," Economic Affairs State Secretary Frank Heemskerk stated yesterday.

As an example, Heemskerk refers to the anti-dumping duties on footwear from China and Vietnam. "The Netherlands has opposed this from the beginning because the advantages for a limited number of European producers are outweighed by the disadvantages for importers, wholesalers, retailers, consumers and companies involved within the EU with marketing, research and design and producing outside Europe."

"We will decide shortly within Europe whether or not these duties should be extended. My approach is clear: The Netherlands wants to get rid of duties on shoes."