He said a conclusion to the Doha round of World Trade Organisation negotiations would make trade rules more transparent and predictable, thus reducing the risks for SMEs doing business abroad.
The current round of trade talks began in 2001 but broke down in 2008 amid bitter disagreements on agricultural import rules. The objective of the talks is to lower trade barriers and increase global trade, but the differences between developed and developing nations has so far proven insurmountable.
"Trade facilitation, for example faster customs clearance, can reduce costs. SMEs also stand to benefit from changes to market access, investment and services. All of this however requires the Doha talks to conclude," Barberis said.
He warned of increasing use of non-tariff barriers by third countries seeking to edge European firms out of their markets in defiance of WTO agreements.
Discussing the state of the economy, Barberis outlined the reforms that need to be undertaken if Europe is to get back on the road to sustainable recovery. He said labour market reforms resulting in flexibility and increased productivity would be essential to restoring growth, along with enhanced private investment in research.
"In this respect, we have high expectations with regard to the Commission's 'Innovation Act', as well as the Commission's proposals in the framework of the EU 2020 strategy," he said.
Barberis said the financial situation in a number of EU member states would make a sustainable recovery even more challenging, but could be addressed through "bold welfare and fiscal reforms".
He said the key areas where the business community was looking to the new European Commission for leadership are public-private partnerships, support for innovative SMEs, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
"Business must be recognised as part of the climate change solution and Eurochambres calls for an international climate change agreement that effectively engages the world's major emissions producers, while not impairing European competitiveness," Barberis said.
