Europe - Middle East discussions for a free trade zone

EU Brussels-based commission officials announced that the bloc is to start discussions with nine governments in the Middle East and North Africa for establishing a free trade zone for fish and agriculture productions.

The EU officials said Wednesday that the EU is due to begin negotiations with four Mideastern countries in the first half of next year, adding that the annual volume of the Euro-Mediterranean countries exports between 2002- 2004 to European markets amounted to Euro 2,4 billion, while imports were estimated at Euro 3,7 billion.

The European Agriculture Commissioner Maryan Fischer Poel pointed out that liberating agriculture trade will yield good benefits for both sides in creating job opportunities and enhancing investments.