A trade continuity agreement will see Palestinian businesses and
consumers benefitting from continued trade after the UK leaves
the European Union, UK International Trade Secretary said today (Monday 18
February). 
In Ramallah, the UK-Palestinian Authority agreement was signed by
both the International Trade Secretary and Her Excellency, Abeer
Odeh, Minister of National Economy.
The agreement simplifies trade and will allow businesses to trade
as freely as they do now once the UK leaves the EU.
Trading on these preferential terms, rather than on World Trade
Organization terms, will continue to deliver significant savings
and help to further strengthen the bilateral trading
relationship.
The agreement allows Palestinian businesses to continue access to
the UK market tariff-free which will continue to benefit
Palestinian producers in priority sectors, including exporters of
fruit, nuts and vegetable fats including dates and olive oil.
Today’s signing reflects the importance of bilateral relations
between the UK and the Palestinian Authority. The Agreement
demonstrates the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral
cooperation, promoting Palestinian economic growth, and
maintaining the UK’s strong commitment to a two-state solution.
International Trade Secretary MP said:
Today’s agreement will help give UK and Palestinian businesses,
exporters and consumers the certainty they need to continue
trading freely as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
The agreement reflects the importance of the UK-Palestinian
relationship, a thriving Palestinian economy is in all our
interests. We look forward to further strengthening our trade
and investment relations with the Palestinian people.
The news has been welcomed by the Palestine British Business
Council.
Antoine Mattar, Chair of the Council, said;
The Palestine Britain Business Council welcomes the trade
agreement between the United Kingdom and the Palestinian
Authority.
This agreement avoids unnecessary tariffs which will ultimately
save British consumers money on items such as dates and olive
oil. Frictionless trade also helps to keep people in employment
and create new jobs, supporting the Palestinian economy and
helping Palestinians work towards a prosperous future.
The UK is seeking to provide continuity for around 40 existing EU
trade agreements covering more than 70 countries.
Like these agreements, the new UK-Palestinian Authority agreement
replicates the existing trading arrangements as far as possible.
It will come into effect as soon as the implementation period
ends in January 2021, or on 29 March 2019 if the UK leaves the EU
without a deal.
