Palestine and EFTA Countries Sign Agreements Exempting Palestinian Agricultural Products from Customs Duties

SadaNews - The Minister of National Economy, Mohammad Al-Amour, signed three bilateral agreements with the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) to enhance the export of Palestinian agricultural products and open new markets for them with Iceland, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), and the Kingdom of Norway.

The signing ceremony took place in the Icelandic capital, Reykjavik, at the national hall, with the participation of the Palestinian Ambassador to Norway, Marie Antoinette Seidin, the Director General of International Relations, Mohammad Hamidan, and Yasser Abu Qtaish, the Director of Bilateral Relations at the ministry.

The agreements stipulate customs facilitation that grants Palestinian agricultural products the ability to enter the markets of these countries exempt from customs duties either entirely or partially, according to the agreed terms and rates between the parties. 

The Minister of National Economy, Mohammad Al-Amour, stated, "These agreements come as a strategic step to expand the market base for our agricultural products and enhance the Palestinian producer's competitiveness in European markets. We will exert all possible efforts to maximize our national exports to international markets."

The agreements included mechanisms for cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of National Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Palestinian Customs Departments, and the counterpart parties to ensure the implementation of technical, health, and origin requirements in a way that facilitates trade movement and protects consumers.

On the other hand, the agreements also stipulate a balanced exchange of privileges that allows EFTA member states to export their products to the Palestinian market under agreed conditions, ensuring a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.