Customs union agreement is against Turkey, says Caglayan

In a meeting held with the Danish Minister of Trade and European Affairs Nick Haekkerup yesterday, Turkish Economy Minister Zafer Çaglayan said that the Customs Union Agreement between Turkey and the European Union works against Turkey and Turkey should make a free trade agreement with the EU. Pointing out to the fact that Turkey was excluded from free trade agreements that the EU signed with the third parties, Caglayan noted that this situation caused unfair competition since the free trade agreements between the EU and third parties enable these other countries' goods to enter Turkish markets via Europe with zero duties; however when it comes to Turkish goods, the decision to provide Turkey with same privileges is up to the third parties. Addressing Haekkerup, Caglayan concluded, "We need your support to convince the EU to abandon its two-faced manner. If the EU doesn't show progress on this issue, then we should make a free trade agreement."