Britain to Begin Talks with Turkey to Update Bilateral Trade Agreement

Britain indicated today, Tuesday, that it "intends to start discussions with Turkey to update a bilateral free trade agreement with the aim of including services and the digital sector in any future agreements." Britain already has a free trade agreement with Turkey, which was extended when the UK left the European Union, but the Department for International Trade now says it has become outdated. The department stated that "the two sides have found, after reviewing that agreement, room for improvement through a new agreement; however, discussions are not expected to commence before next year." The value of trade transactions between the two countries reached £23.5 billion ($30.7 billion) last year. British Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch noted that "the UK will benefit from the talks to shape a new agreement that aligns with its economic strengths."