EU and Ecuador conclude negotiations for trade and development agreement

The European Union and Ecuadorian negotiators on the 17 July 2014 sealed a deal in Brussels that allows Ecuador to join its Andean neighbours Peru and Colombia in their trade agreement with the EU.

The agreement would allow Ecuador to benefit from improved access for its main exports to the EU – fisheries, bananas, cut flowers, coffee, cocoa, fruits and nuts. The terms of the new arrangement go beyond the unilateral EU Generalised Scheme of Preferences, for which Ecuador is no longer eligible. The Agreement will also provide improved access to the Ecuadorian market for many key EU exports, for example in the automotive sector or for alcoholic beverages.

European Commission: DG Trade: Policy: Countries and regions: Andean Community http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/regions/andean-community/

European Commission: RAPID: MEMO/12/487: Highlights of the Trade Agreement between Colombia, Peru and the European Union http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-487_en.pdf

EurActiv, 18.07.14: EU agrees on trade deal with Ecuador http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-industry/eu-agrees-trade-deal-ecuador-303566

ESO: Background information: Relations between Ecuador and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/relations-between-ecuador-and-the-eu/

EU: EEAS: Andean Community and the European Union https://eeas.europa.eu/diplomatic-network/andean-community_en

---