Ambitious trade agreement with Peru and Colombia
On 1 March 2010, the European Commission concluded a highly ambitious trade agreement with Peru and Colombia which could be signed in May and could enter into force by early 2012.
The deal is very advantageous to members as it is subject to unusually few restrictions. European traders will even be able to deploy key management staff on the spot.
Negotiations launched with Singapore and Vietnam
DG Trade has decided to launch bilateral trade talks with individual ASEAN countries. In March, Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht launched free trade negotiations with two ASEAN member states: Vietnam and Singapore.
Almost a third of European trade with the ASEAN countries takes place between the EU and Singapore, which makes the city-state by far the EU's most important trading partner in South East Asia.
Singapore and Vietnam are ready to negotiate ambitious free trade agreements which will offer great opportunities for European retailers and wholesalers.