High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton, on April 13th, on behalf of the European Union signed an Agreement with Prime Minister Fayyad that gives all agricultural products, processed agricultural products and fish and fishery products originating in the West Bank and Gaza Strip immediate duty free access to the EU market.

The only exception from full liberalisation is the specific duty for imports of fruit and vegetables under the entry price system. This duty will remain applicable if these entry prices are not respected.
“Facilitating Palestinian trade is a crucial element of the state building process which the EU is supporting both politically and financially. This agreement is the tangible expression of our support,” said Catherine Ashton on the occasion of the signing of the agreement which has the form of an Exchange of Letters.
“This agreement is good news for Palestinian farmers and the wider economy as it provides free access for their agricultural exports to tap into our market of 500 million consumers.” highlighted Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Cioloş.