The European Commission said that it will start formal negotiations
on a bilateral maritime transport agreement with China.
The EC described the move as a breakthrough in transport relations
between the European Union and China. The two sides have been trying to agree on the basis
for negotiations for over a year.
EU member states first agreed on a negotiating mandate in 1998.
The EC said that the first "technical meeting" with Chinese
representatives is expected to take place before the end of the year to clarify scope and
issues for a bilateral agreement.
It was also agreed that the two sides would work to establish other
areas of possible cooperation in the maritime sector.
EC WILL NEGOTIATE MARITIME TRANSPORT AGREEMENT WTH CHINA
EC WILL NEGOTIATE MARITIME TRANSPORT AGREEMENT WTH CHINA
