Belarus and the United Kingdom are discussing a possibility to sign a free trade agreement, Minister of State for Trade Policy at the Department for International Trade of the United Kingdom George Hollingbery told the Belarus 1 TV channel.
“At present talks on the Trade Dialogue are underway with a great number of countries. A possibility to sign a free trade agreement is being discussed with the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Asia Pacific countries. There is still a lot to do. Belarus is among the countries we are holding such talks with,” George Hollingbery said.
Talking about the things the UK can offer Belarus in the Trade Dialogue [an alternative to an intergovernmental commission], he explained that the UK is ready to provide consultations and to collaborate in the IT sector.
“On our part, we can provide consultations. We have gone a long way in the development of independent trade facilities. We can also provide assistance to the Hi-Tech Park and expert knowledge in IT, where Belarus has also made tremendous progress,” he added.
George Hollingbery noted that the UK is definitely ready to support Belarus in its plans to join the World Trade Organization. “We have always advocated trade based on clearly-cut rules and will keep doing it. It is necessary to go through a number of tests to fulfill the necessary requirements, but we are ready to provide support. Those who want to join the WTO, are able to do it,” he said.
