Brussels, 26/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 1 March an agreement enters into force between the EU and China (mixed agreement) on maritime transport. Signed in 2002 by the EU15, the European Commission and Chinese authorities, the agreement aims to improve maritime freight transport operations between China, the EU and third countries. The agreement governs international maritime freight access and strengthens cooperation in maritime security and safety, crew training and information exchange. Maritime transporters covered by this agreement will now have guaranteed equal treatment at ports, use of port infrastructure, ancillary services, customs formalities, mooring posts, loading and unloading etc. The agreement also guarantees unlimited access to the maritime freight market and grants shipping lines the right of establishment on the territory of the other agreement signatories (e.g. a 100% European owned shipping line could open a branch in China and do business there). In 2005, an additional protocol extended these provisions to ten new member states. This year the agreement is expected to be extended to Bulgaria and Romania. A Commission delegation will go to Peking on Thursday 28 February to attend the agreement's entry into force ceremony. A similar agreement may be signed with India for which the next round of negotiations will be in New Delhi on 18-19 March 2008. (A.By.)