This Directorate-General is to advance the removal of trade barriers, to encourage the harmonious development of world trade and to lower custom barriers. The Directorate General has to implement the common trade policy of the EU towards non-member states.

This DG has the following tasks:

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  protecting the trade interests of the EU
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  negotiate with other involved parties
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  encouraging and ensuring the compliance of international agreements
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  monitoring and development of policies regarding international trade and investment
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  exchanging information with other involved parties in the field of international trade