EU seals free-trade agreement with Peru and Colombia

The EU has sealed a deal with Colombia and Peru allowing for freer trade between Europe and the two South American nations, an EU Commission spokesman said Monday (Mar 1).

"Yes there is an agreement," the spokesman said following a ninth round of talks.

"The details will be published officially by the commission," a source close to the talks said.

The deal is of interest to the EU as a means of ending customs barriers to its industries. The Europeans also want better access to Peruvian and Colombian markets for dairy products. For their part Peru and Colombia are interested in preserving and boosting exports of beef, chicken and other agricultural products.