EU-Asean panel calls for Asean's non-tariff barriers to be lifted

Singapore THE EU-Asean Business Council has called for the elimination of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to promote trade and investment between the European Union (EU) and Asean, as well as to achieve one of the primary objectives of the Asean Economic Community.

Chris Humphrey, executive director of the Council, said removing the NTBs would also support the realisation of an EU-Asean free trade agreement.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of a report by the council on the opening up of avenues for trade between the EU and Asean, he noted that there were now more than 2,000 NTBs in Asean listed by the World Trade Organization.