(MENAFN) Türkiye and the United Kingdom are gearing up for a third stage of discussions aimed at creating a “next-generation” and wide-ranging free trade agreement (FTA).

This forthcoming round follows the second series of talks, which took place in September, and seeks to overhaul the existing agreement that has been in place since 2021.

During the previous two sessions, the primary emphasis was on trade in goods and related topics such as commerce regulations, health and plant health standards, customs operations, and the simplification of trade procedures.

Both nations examined the potential for mutual new market access for agricultural exports, the expansion of cooperation concerning health and plant health regulations, and the enhancement of customs processes to ensure smoother trade.

The agenda also included discussions on financial sectors, telecommunications, legal services, shipping, postal and courier industries, as well as digital trade.

Emphasis was placed on ensuring secure data exchange and safeguarding investments within these domains.

Türkiye and the UK are striving to improve the flow of services and capital, enhance legal clarity, and lower trade-related expenses by strengthening cooperation in digital commerce.

Other focal points of negotiation included intellectual property (IP) protections, administrative and structural measures, regulatory standards, labor conditions, and environmental concerns.

According to the UK Department for Business and Trade, the second negotiation round yielded promising results, particularly in areas like digital trade, financial and professional services, and investment.

Both sides collaborated to reaffirm global obligations and pinpoint mutual goals throughout the discussions.

Set for November 2025, the upcoming third round is anticipated to transform the current FTA into a more modern and extensive framework, marking a key milestone in bilateral economic ties.

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