ITALY AGREES ON SUBSTANCE OF DEMARCHE TO G20

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 001511 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/12/2018 TAGS: ECON EFIN ETRD PREL WTO SUBJECT: ITALY AGREES ON SUBSTANCE OF DEMARCHE TO G20 NATIONS ON REJECTING PROTECTIONISM REF: STATE 125609 Classified By: ECMIN Tom Delare for reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (C) Post delivered Reftel points on December 12 to Counselor Novello, Diplomatic Advisor to Undersecretary Urso of the Ministry of Economic Development. U/S Urso is in charge of international trade in the Ministry. ¶2. (C) Novello said that Italy shares the USG concerns expressed in the reftel and agrees that action is needed to discourage G-20 countries from implementing trade or investment barriers. Novello also said the GOI has already instructed its embassies to inquire with the countries that had announced the adoption of trade protection measures on what their specific intentions are. According to Novello, it is not clear yet if the countries referenced have actually implemented trade protection measures, or if their announcements to do so reflected a negotiating strategy for future WTO Doha round discussions. Our contact offered that since the countries in discussion are G-20 countries whose cooperation is crucial for the WTO Doha round negotiations, it would be best to approach them over the issue with caution and only after there is greater certainty over their intentions. ¶3. (C) Novello asked if the U.S. could share any information that we may have now or which may come into our possession regarding actual plans for raising of trade barriers by the G-20 countries (or others). He said Italy would do the same after their embassies report back. Besides sharing of information, Novello said Italy would be interested in collaborating with the U.S., and asked if the U.S. had any specific plans such as joint demarches. Post would appreciate advice on a response, and any further information that we can share with Italy. SPOGLI