(MENAFN) Türkiye and the United Kingdom are gearing up for a third round of discussions following their September meeting, aiming to establish a “next-generation” and all-encompassing free trade agreement (FTA) to supersede the one in place since 2021.

Earlier rounds of talks concentrated mainly on trade in goods and related matters, trade policies, health and plant safety standards, customs processes, and measures to facilitate trade.

During these discussions, both countries explored opportunities to open new markets for agricultural products, enhance collaboration in health and plant health areas, and simplify customs procedures.

Key topics also included financial services, telecommunications, legal services, maritime transport, postal and courier services, and digital trade, with particular attention to secure data transfers and protecting investments.

Türkiye and the UK are working toward easier trade in services and investment, establishing legal certainty, and lowering trade costs by fostering closer integration in digital commerce. Negotiations additionally covered intellectual property (IP) rights, administrative and institutional frameworks, regulatory approaches, as well as labor and environmental standards.

According to reports, the UK Department for Business and Trade described the second round as productive, noting “some positive progress on multiple items, including digital trade, financial and professional business services, and investments.” Both sides focused on reaffirming international commitments and pinpointing shared priorities.

The upcoming third round, planned for November 2025, is expected to convert the current FTA into a fully next-generation and comprehensive agreement. The UK anticipates that enhanced trade with Türkiye will drive job creation and strengthen national prosperity.

For Türkiye, the UK market is considered strategically valuable, given its population of 69 million and substantial consumer demand.

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