Brussels – The European Commission (EC) is shifting its focus eastward after finalizing trade deals with Mercosur nations, Mexico, and the United States, and aims to forge similar agreements with countries such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. This was announced by European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič during an interview with a TASR correspondent in Brussels.
Maroš Šefčovič, who played a key role in securing trade agreements with Mercosur, Mexico, and the US, remarked on Wednesday (September 3) that European citizens should not be apprehensive about the deal with the four South American nations of Mercosur—Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—due to sufficient legal safeguards in place to protect their interests. He also affirmed that his efforts to explore new strategic trade partnerships are ongoing, with upcoming business trips primarily directed toward Asia.
It will be a free trade agreement with the largest Muslim country
“The negotiations where we have made the most significant strides are with Indonesia. If we finalize this agreement, it will represent a substantial free trade deal with the largest Muslim nation, encompassing 200 million people in a rapidly growing Southeast Asian economy,” Šefčovič explained.
He noted that several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have expressed interest in collaborating closely with the EU. Currently, the European Commission is in talks with Thailand and Malaysia, with interest also shown by Vietnam.
“I am confident that we will fulfill our political commitment and, despite the complex negotiations, come to an agreement with India as well,” Šefčovič indicated. During a meeting with journalists at the European Commission’s headquarters, he hinted he might visit India for this purpose by the end of September.
Negotiations with Australia and the GCC
He mentioned that discussions with Australia are ongoing, revealing that his last working meeting with the Australian Trade Minister encountered difficulties regarding agriculture.
“We will need to revisit this issue and explore alternative solutions to unblock negotiations that were progressing well,” he remarked.
Šefčovič also pointed out that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) seeks closer cooperation with the EU. Multiple rounds of expert-level discussions have already taken place with Saudi Arabia, and both parties, according to Šefčovič, are eager for swift progress. He believes successful negotiations could pave the way for a broader regional agreement with other Gulf nations.
“We have established connections with America and Latin America; now our focus must shift to the east and far east. Regarding Africa, we have several agreements, though they have a somewhat different nature than free trade agreements,” Šefčovič concluded at the end of the interview. (September 4)
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