|
A protocol has been signed between Turkey's EU Ministry and the Economy Ministry on Thursday to coordinate efforts to have the country included in a prospective EU-U.S. free trade area as Ankara's accession process does not seem to be completed anytime soon.
"The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership" between the U.S. and the EU is a proposed free trade agreement intended to increase cooperation and spur economic growth.
A free trade agreement between the EU and third parties enables the non-EU countries' goods to enter European markets or Turkish markets via Europe without duty charges, but Turkey's exports to the non-EU countries does not benefit from the same tariff reductions granted to the European Union members. As a result, Turkey still has to face high tariffs and nontariff barriers.
Turkey makes 45 percent of its exports to the European Union, EU Minister Volkan Bozkir, adding that the exclusion of Turkey in the EU-U.S. deal can hurt the EU-hopeful country.
"We will work hard to prevent that from happening," Bozkir said at a signing ceremony in the Turkish capital.
EU membership has been a hot topic on Turkey's agenda ever since accession negotiations began in 2005 and Turkey must comply with 35 policy areas, or "chapters," setting out reforms needed to become a member. So far, only 14 have been accepted while 17 remain blocked and a further four are yet to open for discussion.
www.aa.com.tr/en - Ankara
|
Poem
Manşetler
Spor
Son Dakika
Haber
Yerel Haberler
