Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

589. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the extent to which other transatlantic trade agreements are contemplated or approved excluding TTIP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32094/16]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

590. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the progress in respect of any other transatlantic trade agreements with the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32095/16]

Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 589 and 590 together.

The EU has successfully concluded a number of important trade agreements with trading partners and is in the process of negotiating or upgrading its agreements with many more. Free Trade Agreements are designed to create opportunities by opening new markets for goods and services thereby increasing export and investment opportunities.

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been concluded and is awaiting a decision by the Council and the European Parliament for its entry into force.

In addition the EU is negotiating with Mercosur, encompassing Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

In 1997, Mexico was the first Latin American country to conclude an Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement with the EU. The Agreement included trade provisions as part of it. In January 2013, Mexico and the EU began exploring the options for a comprehensive and ambitious modernisation of the trade pillar of the EU-Mexico Agreement. The EU and Mexico began negotiations to modernise their trade agreement in June 2016.

In June 2012 the EU signed an ambitious and comprehensive Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru. In July 2014 negotiations were concluded for the accession of Ecuador to the Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru.