Protectionism must be rejected and measures adopted to create jobs, as the world is fighting the financial crisis, officials and economists said.

"Liberalization of services is vital. ... Instead of creating barriers, we should liberalize services," said Esko Hamilo, undersecretary of state for external economic affairs at Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Lena Johansson, director-general of Sweden's National Board of Trade, said: "Protectionism is even more harmful than it used to be. Goods these days are crossing borders several times before they become a final product." She also stressed the importance of more open cross-border trade in services.