Text tabled : A7-0199/2011

  Rolandas Paksas (EFD), in writing. − (LT) Having properly evaluated the economic and social situation of the outermost regions, specific measures must be applied. It should be noted that permanent disadvantages such as the regions’ remoteness and isolation increase production costs and the cost price of goods produced, and consequently the goods are not competitive. All of this severely hinders the regions’ industry and development. Reductions in dock dues or exemption from them is one of the measures that promotes and sustains local economic activity and employment, and contributes to economic stability. Consequently, I believe that, in the case of French Guiana, it is advisable to extend the list of products to which differentiated tax arrangements for dock dues may be applied. This will help maintain local production of most goods, enabling such goods to remain on the market. Furthermore, the revenue from the dock dues underpins policies promoting investment in local development.