Iceland will launch free trade negotiations with China early
next year, said visiting Icelandic Foreign Minister Valgerdur
Sverrisdottir on Monday.
Sverrisdottir made the remarks at a reception marking the 35th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China
and Iceland.
She said the two sides had decided to follow up the feasibility
study completed over the summer by launching free trade
negotiations early next year.
"This will provide a stronger base for the future development of
our relations," she said.
Iceland is the first developed country in Europe to recognize
China's market-economy status and is also the first European
country to start FTA feasibility discussions with China.
China has so far established nine FTAs with 27 countries and
regions and signed 334 regional trade cooperation deals. China is
also currently in FTA talks with New Zealand, Australia and the
Gulf Cooperation Council.
(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2006)
