- Title: Trump's exit from Pacific trade deal opens door for Germany -Gabriel
- Date: 24th January 2017
- Summary: BERLIN, GERMANY (JANUARY 24, 2017) (REUTERS) ***WARNING CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** GERMAN VICE CHANCELLOR AND ECONOMY MINISTER SIGMAR GABRIEL ARRIVING GABRIEL TAKING STAGE AUDIENCE VARIOUS OF GABRIEL SPEAKING AUDIENCE (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN VICE CHANCELLOR AND ECONOMY MINISTER, SIGMAR GABRIEL, SAYING: "Of course when the American president starts a trade conflict, I wouldn't call it a trade war, with Asian countries and China, of course we want Europe to be well-advised. Let's say, Asian countries, and China and India. We don't have any interest in a trade conflict, on the contrary we want fair partners. We must have exactly the same from China - to use the chances and doors which are newly opened." AUDIENCE GABRIEL SPEAKING (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN VICE CHANCELLOR AND ECONOMY MINISTER, SIGMAR GABRIEL, SAYING (ON DONALD TRUMP): "I believe that he (Trump) must be taken very seriously. I even believe that he can have economic success temporarily if he trims the fat politically to prevent taxes from increasing. That will be a problem. So I would say be prepared, but also look for partners." AUDIENCE GABRIEL LISTENING TO QUESTION (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN VICE CHANCELLOR AND ECONOMY MINISTER, SIGMAR GABRIEL, SAYING (ON DONALD TRUMP): "We must not underestimate what he (Trump) has in store. He will lead a protectionist, nationalistic program, and we must not exactly answer, but we must push ourselves, increase our capabilities for competition, make sure our infrastructure invests in digitalisation and education, we must be better. We must look for partners that want to work together. I believe there are some. When one door closes, and he's closing doors, another opens somewhere else. I am sure about this." AUDIENCE GABRIEL LEAVING
- Embargoed: 7th February 2017 11:01
- Keywords: TPP Gabriel energy minister energy free trade
- Location: BERLIN, GERMANY
- City: BERLIN, GERMANY
- Country: Germany
- Topics: Government/Politics,International Trade
- Reuters ID: LVA00160FWRWN
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Germany would take advantage of any trade opportunities in Asia and South America left by a protectionist United States, Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel said on Tuesday (January 24), after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
"We don't have any interest in a trade conflict, on the contrary we want fair partners. We must have exactly the same from China - to use the chances and doors which are newly opened." Gabriel said at an energy industry gathering.
Trump signed an executive order formally withdrawing from the 12-nation TPP on Monday (January 23), following through on a promise made during his election campaign. He called the move a "great thing for the American worker".
Gabriel - Economy Minister and leader of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), who is expected to run against Chancellor Angela Merkel in September's election - said German industry should remain confident in the face of Trump's moves.
"When one door closes, and he's closing doors, another opens somewhere else. I am sure about this," he said, adding that German companies should also begin looking for new partners. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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