Brussels, 23/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it was to increase its imports from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These will affect the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Under the terms of an agreement between the 27 members of the Union and the Palestinian Authority, fisheries products, fruit, oils and vegetables will be able to enter the EU without customs duty, for a period of up to 10 years. This move "is designed to support the development of the economy of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank" by increasing exports, according to a European Commission press release. In order to protect European farmers, certain products, such as fruits and vegetables, will have low levels of tax. Additionally, the agreement will concern a relatively low level of trade. In 2009, the total of imports into the EU from this area represented 6.1 million euros. (B.C./trans.fl)