The EFTA States and Türkiye hold their first Joint Committee Meeting under the modernised Free Trade Agreement

On 29 August 2023, delegations from the EFTA States and Türkiye met by videoconference for the first Joint Committee meeting after the entry into force of the modernised and expanded EFTA–Türkiye Free Trade Agreement.

Sveinung Røren, Director at the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries acted as the EFTA spokesperson, while Hüsnü Dilemre, Director General for International Agreements and EU at the Türkiye Ministry of Trade headed the Turkish delegation.

The Joint Committee discussed the implementation and operation of the agreement. Delegates had in-depth exchanges on matters related to trade in services, protection of intellectual property and government procurement. The Committee reviewed in detail the implementation of the chapter on trade and sustainable development, based on written questions and replies submitted ahead of the meeting. They agreed to exchange further information in writing. The Committee further held an exchange on their respective economic situations and their trade relations. The Joint Committee adopted one decision, establishing the rules of procedure of the Joint Committee.

The Joint Committee meeting was preceded by the first meeting of the Subcommittee on Custom Matters under the modernised agreement, where experts discussed implementation issues, developments in the context of the pan-Euro Mediterranean (PEM) Convention, possible developments in the field of rules of origin and the exchange of preference utilisation data.

The Joint Committee agenda is accessible here and EFTA’s full report of the meeting here.

Economic relations between the EFTA States and Türkiye

In 2022, the EFTA States exported goods worth more than EUR 3 044 million to Türkiye. Pharmaceutical products, machinery and mechanical appliances, watches, mineral fuels and oil, electrical machinery, and organic chemicals were the most important exports. In return, EFTA’s imports from Türkiye amounted to approximately EUR 2 845 million and were mainly apparel and clothing accessories, vehicles, and aluminium and articles thereof.

Read more about merchandise trade between EFTA and Türkiye here.