European Union Foreign Affairs Council will meet in Luxembourg on Friday to hold discussions on adoption of the negotiating mandate for a trade and investment agreement between the European Union and the United States of America.
Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade Alexander Stubb. Photo - Lehtikuva.
The Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alexander Stubb will represent Finland at the meeting, said a government press release on Wednesday.
Finland supports adoption of the mandate. If consensus is reached on the negotiating directives, the agreement negotiations will be launched as soon as possible.
Finland is of the opinion that the Trade and Investment Partnership agreement will strengthen the transatlantic partnership and have significant positive economic impact on the EU.
The agreement will boost economic growth and employment within the EU because it enhances competitiveness and access of European companies into the US market.
The agreement also aims to harmonise regulation and abolish customs duties. The meeting will also take stock of the state of play concerning the negotiations on the EU-Canada Free Trade Agreement, now reaching their final phase.
The trade ministers will also discuss the EU’s trade and financial relations with China. Finland supports the Commission proposal on negotiations for an investment agreement with
China.
The ministers will also debate on preparations for the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference, which will be held in Indonesia from December 3 to December 6 this year.
