Ukraine, Turkey restart free trade agreement talks

"For more than seven years, the negotiations have been conducted as follows: we agreed on ten points, then on another 20 and another 100, and got the figure of 95-99% [finalization of the free trade agreement]. In January, we agreed to develop new proposals for each other. At the end of August, we received a new offer from Turkey. Currently, we are preparing our proposal in response. That's how we have restarted [free trade agreement talks]," Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade, and Agriculture – Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka said in an interview with Ukrinform.

According to him, the text of the document, in particular its provisions concerning tariff obligations, has been completely updated.

"Of course, it takes into account the results of previous agreements. So, it’s a new document which we start to agree upon anew," the Trade Representative of Ukraine said.

According to him, the next round of talks is scheduled for mid-October. Prior to that, consultations will be held with representatives of Ukrainian business on the agreement, its features and benefits for the development of Ukraine-Turkey trade and economic relations.

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