US, EU resume trade talks despite doubts

AFP, BRUSSELS: The United States and the European Union yesterday resumed talks to clinch a trade deal this year, despite rising opposition and Britain's shock vote to exit the bloc.
Negotiators met in Brussels for the 14th round of negotiations on the proposed trade pact that would create the world's largest free trade area.
But it is facing increasing headwinds from major EU powers Germany and France, where negative attitudes to globalisation and free trade are on the rise.
Officials are publically pushing to finalise negotiations on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) before the end of the Obama administration at the end of the year.
But behind the scenes top diplomats are increasingly wary this will be achieved, believing that a suspension of talks until after major elections in France and Germany in 2017 will be required.
"I think a deal in 2016 is impossible and everyone knows it, including those who say otherwise," France's junior minister for trade Matthias Fekl said last week, although he does not participate actively in the talks.
France is especially frustrated at the lack of progress on key issues, such as agriculture and access to public contracts in the United States by European companies.

US, EU resume trade talks despite doubts

AFP, BRUSSELS: The United States and the European Union yesterday resumed talks to clinch a trade deal this year, despite rising opposition and Britains shock vote to exit the bloc. Negotiators met in Brussels for the 14th round of negotiations on the proposed trade pact that would create the worlds largest free trade area. But it is facing increasing headwinds from major EU powers Germany and France, where negative attitudes to globalisation and free trade are on the rise. Officials are publically pushing to finalise negotiations on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) before the end of the Obama administration at the end of the year. But behind the scenes top diplomats are increasingly wary this will be achieved, believing that a suspension of talks until after major elections in France and Germany in 2017 will be required. I think a deal in 2016 is impossible and everyone knows it, including those who say otherwise, Frances junior minister for trade Matthias Fekl said last week, although he does not participate actively in the talks. France is especially frustrated at the lack of progress on key issues, such as agriculture and access to public contracts in the United States by European companies.