Answering the question “How much can the association agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the European Union contradict the provisions of the Customs Union?”, the Deputy Foreign Minister said that unlike other "Eastern Partnership" countries, Azerbaijan doesn’t take part in the negotiations on the establishment of deep and comprehensive free trade zone.
“The development of trade, its new phase and other trade issues have been included into the fourth section of the association agreement presented by the European Commission to Azerbaijan. It envisages the intensification of our trade relations, but not the establishment of free trade relations. Other member countries of the World Trade Organization are conducting negotiations with the European Union on the establishment of deep and comprehensive free trade zone. In these countries the aforementioned document is attached to the key elements of the association agreement. However, Azerbaijan is not a member of the WTO ".
Mahmud Mammadguliyev said Azerbaijan can start the negotiations on the establishment of deep and comprehensive free trade zone basing on two terms. “First, our country is to be admitted to the WTO, secondly, the economic efficiency of this step should be taken into account. If these two terms are observed, the country can start the negotiations with the European Union regarding this agreement,” he said.
As to when the next round of Azerbaijan-EU negotiations on the association agreement will be held, Deputy Ministry said the date is not known yet. “The person, who conducted the negotiations on behalf of the EU, has been replaced. But according to our position, the negotiations will be continued taking into account Azerbaijan’s interests,” he said.
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