Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade is ready to discuss with Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member-states the issue of creating a free trade zone with Syria as soon as its economic and political situation is resolved.
“We really do not object (discussion of the issue of creating a free trade zone with Syria — TASS) and welcome cooperation with Syria, and are ready to continue this work together with other members of the Eurasian Economic Union,” Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said at a meeting of BRICS industry ministers on Tuesday. “But I think we should wait for all political and economic issues to be resolved in the country in order to continue this cooperation within a new platform,” he added.
Speaking about possibility of introducing a free trade zone regime between the EAEU member-states and BRICS economies, Manturov said that India is negotiating creation of a free trade zone with Eurasian Economic Union. “I think other BRICS countries and other probable foreign partners will be interested in signing similar agreement,” he said.
Earlier a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EAEU came into effect. Egypt has also applied for launch of free trade zone regime, the application is being considered at the moment.