Brussels, 07/07/2008 (Agence Europe) -
Agreement reached to liberalise trade in Agricultural and Fishery Products between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt. A preliminary agreement has been reached by negotiators to further liberalise trade in agricultural, processed agricultural and fish and fishery products between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt. This will form the basis of a future agreement, subject to completion of both sides' internal procedures. The agreement will give the EU free and immediate access to the Egyptian market for around 90 percent of agriculture and fisheries exports. In exchange, the EU market will be liberalised for almost all products.
According to the terms of the agreement Egypt will give free and immediate access for all farm and fishery products, with the exception of tobacco, wines and spirits and pig meat, which is the subject of no additional concession relative to the previous agreement. Chapters 1704 (confectionery), 1806 (chocolates), 1902 (pasta) and 1905 (pastry making) will benefit from a reduction of 50 percent of the customs duties for unlimited quantities, reducing the duty to 12.5 percent on average. This agreement should make it possible to strengthen European exporters' position on the Egyptian market, which is the most important market in the Middle East.
In return, it is proposed to completely liberalise the EU market for Egyptian imports with the exception of certain products which are considered as most sensitive, and for which certain protection is maintained (tomatoes, cucumbers, artichokes, courgettes, table grapes, garlic, strawberries, rice, sugar, processed products with high sugar content and processed tuna and sardines). (L.C./trans/r.h.)