Britain and Turkey Begin New Free Trade Agreement Talks

Britain and Turkey officially started negotiations today, Thursday, for a new free trade agreement aimed at including services and goods in a new deal. Britain had established a free trade agreement with Turkey, which was extended when Britain separated from the European Union; however, a review conducted by both sides last year concluded that there is room for improvement under a new agreement. Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch indicated that "we already have a thriving trade relationship that will only become stronger through a new and updated trade agreement." Badenoch added that "the new agreement could give the British services sector a competitive advantage in this growing market and has the potential to support jobs across the UK." The Ministry of Trade noted that "the first round of negotiations with Turkey, a NATO member, is expected to take place in the summer."