Nine CEFTA agreements for better trade, employment and consumer protection
The CEFTA Joint Committee adopted nine agreements designed to transform trade and economic cooperation, which, as pointed out, represents a turning point for economic cooperation within the Free Trade Agreement in the Southeast European region.
These agreements bring tangible benefits – they simplify business operations, create new employment opportunities and strengthen consumer protection, the CEFTA Secretariat said in a statement.
As indicated, just a few days before the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Process, CEFTA is taking a decisive step towards realizing the vision of the Common Regional Market.
Based on EU rules and best practices, these agreements will bring the CEFTA markets closer to the EU single market and unlock the potential of the new EU Growth Plan, the CEFTA Secretariat pointed out.
„CEFTA is essential for the free movement of goods and services, encouraging economic growth and integration. With these decisions, we are creating a stronger and more unified economic space where businesses can grow faster and consumers are protected even when shopping outside their local markets. This is an important moment for CEFTA, as we move closer to full alignment with the EU market. The benefits will be felt throughout CEFTA,” said Danijela Gačević, acting director of the CEFTA Secretariat.
She stated that small and medium-sized enterprises will be empowered to export and make maximum use of digital markets, while all citizens will benefit from greater choice, better prices and quality, as well as stronger consumer protection.
It is specified that the agreements that have been adopted will enable companies with customs benefits in their home markets to enjoy these privileges in all seven CEFTA markets.
This will mean faster and more efficient customs procedures, leading to significant time and cost savings.
E-commerce is also facilitated, as a single framework will allow businesses to sell their goods online seamlessly in all CEFTA markets, making it easier for consumers to shop without restrictions.
Also, standards have been set for consumer protection when shopping online.
Preventing unjustified geo-blocking
The new rules also simplify the delivery of packages between CEFTA parties, improving regulatory control and introducing EU standards for price transparency and service quality.
The prevention of unjustified geo-blocking has also been agreed, meaning that the new rules ensure that online shops cannot block access to websites, products or services based on the consumer’s location and origin, allowing unrestricted shopping across the CEFTA market.
Harmonized intellectual property rights standards will protect both businesses and consumers from counterfeit goods, encouraging innovation and protecting the CEFTA market.
Establishing an electronic risk management system, through electronic data exchange, will enable customs to target high-risk shipments more effectively, improving trade security and speeding up the movement of goods.
The agreements also facilitated trade in the services of travel agencies and tour operators, as they will have easier access to all CEFTA markets, creating new opportunities for growth and attracting more tourists to the region.
The new trade dispute settlement mechanism will guarantee fairness and transparency, increasing business confidence in the enforcement of CEFTA trade facilitation rules.
Easier liability insurance for third parties in motor vehicles is also available. As stated, simplified insurance processes will allow travelers to drive throughout the CEFTA region without worrying about insurance coverage.
Source: Beta
Photo: Beta
Source: bizlife.rs
