Singapore, EFTA to launch exploratory talks for FTA
Asian Economic News, Feb 12, 2001
SINGAPORE, Feb. 8 Kyodo
Singapore and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will launch exploratory talks for a free-trade agreement between the city state and the association, the Singapore government said Thursday.
Singapore and Switzerland ''will announce the start of exploratory talks'' for the EFTA during a four-day official visit by Swiss Economic Affairs Minister Pascal Couchepin starting Friday, a statement from the Ministry of Trade and Industry said.
The EFTA comprises Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Singapore Trade and Industry Minister George Yeo said last month Singapore is keen to forge a bilateral FTA with Europe.
Couchepin will meet Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Yeo.
''Discussions will focus on strengthening already excellent bilateral relations,'' the statement said.
Singapore has been seeking bilateral FTAs with several countries, including the United States and Japan, due to disenchantment with the sluggish pace of multilateral trade liberalization talks under the World Trade Organization (WTO). It signed its first FTA with New Zealand last year.
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