On 2 March, the Government of Flanders granted its final approval to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada (CETA). The approval is in line with the Flemish trade and investment strategy, which supports ambitious bilateral agreements.
The Government considers CETA particularly good for Flanders. "Flanders depends on export. Per capita we export three times more than Germany. Flanders also accounts for more than 90% of the Belgian export to Canada," according Minister-president Bourgeois.
Thanks to CETA, 99% of customs tariffs are disappearing, as are many technical and other non-tariff barriers. Market access for services and service providers has also improved and trade in services is better regulated.
The final approval of the Government of Flanders comes after the Social and Economic Council (SERV) and the Council of State have formulated their opinions. The agreement will now be submitted to the Flemish Parliament for approval.