International trade in wine and geographical indications : common interests between the EU and South Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:European-South African trade relations concerrnng wine and spirits are characterized byvarious opportunities and, at the same time, a range of conflicts. The latter notably relates tothe dispute over geographical indications and designations of origin. Considering thisconfusing amalgamation of discord and harmony, it is the purpose of this study, entitledInternational Trade in Wine and Geographical Indications - Common Interests between theEU and South Africa, to understand the rationale for trade in wine from both sides of thecoin. Moreover, this research assesses possible multilateral and bilateral solutions for dealingwith trade frictions between the EU and South Africa and identifies common interests with aview to establish a lasting foundation for blossoming trade in wine and sustained growth. Theunderlying methodology is a qualitative interpretative approach and bases on insights intomodern marketing and international management theory.On this basis the objective interests of the EU and South Africa in trade in wine areanalysed in order to assess the coming into existence of the Trade, Development andCooperation Agreement as well as the Wine and Spirits Agreement. Pivot of these tradenegotiations is the dispute on geographical indications, which is scrutinized by looking intorelevant chapters of the WTO and its TR.IPS Agreement. With regards to the Wine and SpiritsAgreement it is salient to ask whether it is economically and politically reasonable for SouthAfrica to accept a financial package from the EU to secure the 'voluntary' phasing out of anumber of trademarks and geographical indications. The study concludes with an outlookregarding the globalisation of the world's wine market, potential future investment flowsbetween the EU and South Africa and the need for an effective marketing strategy in order tobecome or remain global player in an increasing competitiveness caused by globalisation.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University