Free trade between GUAM member states to be launced in 2017

GUAM (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova) member states signed a number of documents necessary for the introduction of a free trade area between the countries.

In particular, at the meeting in Kiev, governmental heads signed the protocol on mutual recognition of certain types of customs procedures in respect of goods and vehicles moving across state borders of the GUAM member-states, as well as the protocol on setting up a joint co-ordinating body within the free trade agreement framework.

The Ukrainian PM, Vladimir Groysman, stated that he expected a comprehensive free trade area between the GUAM member-states to be launched in 2017.

Prime Ministers of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Moldova met with the Ukrainian President, Petro Poroshenko, as well as participated in the GUAM business forum.

The Regional Organization for Democracy and Economic Cooperation was set up by Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova (GUAM) in 1997 (Uzbekistan was a member of the aforesaid organization in 1999-2005).