FTA negotiations with the GCC

REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA MINISTRY OF ECONOMC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS Vaidis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President An Economy that Works for People, and Our Ref: 06.11.2024 No 6-2/2808-1 Cornmissioner for Trade European Commission B-1049, Brussels Dear Mr Dombrovskis, Allow me to address one of the rather urgent trade policy issues. Estonia has always been a supporter ofa systemic approach to trade policy and trade negotiations. From that aspect having FTA negotiations with the GCC, giving us the 6 countries comprising the GCC as a resuit in a unified and systemic manner would be best. However, the experience of the last years has shown that the negotiations with GCC are not advancing, due to the fact that GCC-s different members seem to have substantially diverging views on the content and urgency of the possible agreement. With this in mmd, it seems to Estonia as well, that we should move forward with negotiations with more flexible partners from GCC. It is my impression that for example the United Arab Emirates is interested in proceeding in a more advanced pace. The fact that UAE is concluding other bilateral agreements adds another level ofurgency to our a decision making process. May 1 assure you that Estonia would be most happy if progress could be achieved on a bilateral track. With best regards, Erkki Keido Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Märt Änilane +372 5596 9641 [email protected] Suur-Ameerika 1 / 10122 TalIinn/ESTONIA Phone: +372 625 6342 / Fax: +372 631 3660 / E-mail: [email protected] / http://www.mkm.ee