Folkert is a co-founder of VVGB.

Professional Experience

Folkert specializes in International Trade Law (such as Anti-Dumping), EC Law, International Law, Customs Law, WTO Law, Corporate Governance & Fraud, Capital Markets, White Collar Crime, and Evidence.

Folkert has over fifteen years of working experience in more than ten countries providing legal advice, directing on-site investigations, preparing audits, conducting due diligence, and supervising compliance proceedings.  Folkert has advised large, small, and medium-sized companies, trained government agencies, and controlled litigation positioning.

Folkert clerked with the European Commission and is a member of the Brussels Bar (A-list).  He was counsel to India in the historic WTO dispute EC – Bed Linen where the question of “zeroing” was settled (WT/DS141 and WT/AB/DS141).  He has handled well over 150 anti-dumping and anti-subsidies proceedings including landmark cases such as Bricks, Cotton Fabrics, DVDs, Footwear and Shrimp (U.S. case).  With accounting knowledge and experience under both IFRS and GAAP, Folkert also has extensive management experience, as well as computer and language skills.

Education

• Stanford Business School, California (M.S., Sloan Fellow)
• Stanford Law School, California (LL.M.)
• Institute for European Studies, Belgium (P.I.L.C.)
• University of Nijmegen, Netherlands (J.D.)

Publications

Co-authored two handbooks along with Edwin Vermulst:

• “Customs and Trade Laws as Tools of Protectionism: Selected Essays”, Cameron May (995 pages)
• “WTO Dispute Settlement: Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Duties and Safeguards”, Cameron May (869 pages)

Co-authored articles (selected from over twenty publications):

• The EC’s Green Paper on Trade Defense Instruments: Guillotine on anti-dumping or smokescreen for more basic predicaments?, published in 2:7/8 Global Trade and Customs Journal 2007  (with Joris Cornelis)
• Recent EC Anti-Dumping Practice towards China and Vietnam: The Great Leap Backward?, published in 12:5 International Trade Law and Regulation (Sweet & Maxwell), 2006 (with Edwin Vermulst)
• EC’s Wonderland: an Overview of the pan-European Harmonized Origin Protocols, published in 33:4 Journal of World Trade (1999) (with Bart Driessen)

Development Projects

Folkert is frequently short-listed for contract delegation of EC and UN Development Policy Projects.  The following award offers are examples of projects that he completed successfully:

• ASEAN – EU Program for Regional Integration Support APRIS – ASEC Technical Training Program: Trade, Legal Issues and Dispute Settlement
• Latvia – Technical Assistance for Institutional Strengthening of Tax and Customs Administration: EuropeAid

Guest Speaker

Folkert has been invited as a guest speaker on many occasions, including:

• T.M.C. Asser Instituut in the context of their Course on WTO Law for Developing Country Diplomats
• UNCTAD/DITC Conference on WTO Dispute Settlement and Commercial Defense Measures in São Paolo
• MILE Program at the World Trade Institute

Computer Knowledge

Folkert has extensive computer skills in general computer programs and analytical software tools (MSExcel, MSWord, MSPowerPoint etc.), including advanced user and/or programming capability of relational database applications (e.g., MSAccess), data mining tools and investigative IT packages.  Folkert’s advanced knowledge of Excel includes: Solver, Data Tables, Goal Seek, and Add-ins: Crystal Ball (Monte Carlo simulation) and Regress (statistical regression analysis).  He is also versatile with Security Concepts (Public Key Encryption, Hacking, etc.), Wire and Wireless Communications Technologies, Network Concepts as well as Software Concepts.

VVGB clients say

"It was good value for money—Your company will be in safe hands" says Richard Simpson, CEO Mayerton Group, United Kingdom

"The official definitive result of two zero margins EU imposes on our company means tremendous to us: hard work, determination and spirit de' core." says Shawn, General Manager of Fangda, Hong Kong

Contact

E-mail: folkert.graafsma@vvgb-law.com
Tel.: +32-2-542-0786 Fax: +32-2-534-5888