Protectionism is no answer to problems, says Merkel

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Protectionism is no answer to problems, says Merkel
Let us not shut off from others, let us keep pace with the best in the world, said Angela Merkel.

davos - Isolating ourselves will not lead us into a good future, she tells Davos

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Published: Wed 24 Jan 2018, 6:17 PM

Last updated: Wed 24 Jan 2018, 8:21 PM

German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted on Wednesday "protectionism is not the answer" to world problems, addressing the Davos economic summit.

"We think that shutting ourselves off, isolating ourselves, will not lead us into a good future. Protectionism is not the answer," Merkel said.

She spoke a day before the arrival of the US president whose aggressive trade policies have raised concern among defenders of globalisation.

"Let us not shut off from others, let us keep pace with the best in the world and let us canvas for this multilateral approach," Merkel said.

She added her voice to other world leaders at the summit to defend the liberal international order after a year of protectionist rhetoric by the US president.

Trump angered China and South Korea this week with new tariffs on solar panels and large washing machines. He is scheduled to close the annual Davos conference with a speech on Friday.

French President Emmanuel Macron was due to speak later on Wednesday.

Top US officials said on Wednesday that his trip was intended to defend US interests while also promoting international ties. - AFP


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