Talks for a free trade agreement between Taiwan, Honduras and El Salvador ended Nov. 24 with a final pact expected to be signed in January, Salvadoran officials said. "We have closed today negotiations for a free trade agreement with Taiwan. This is a good sign, it is a goal that we have sought in our open trade strategy and without a doubt will have commercial benefits for El Salvador," said Economy Minister Yolanda Mayora.
Mayora said the agreement will mean sharp reductions on duties levied by Taiwan on imports from El Salvador and Guatemala and openings for their products up to now prohibited by Taiwan, like textiles and some farm products.
Taiwan will enjoy easier access to the markets of the Central American countries as well.
Held in Los Angeles, the talks were the fourth round in negotiations between the three countries seeking a free trade agreement.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2006
