The Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Industry, H E Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, yesterday said that although the World Trade Organisation was created long ago to promote free trade, tariff barriers were being erected not only against petrochemicals, but also against agriculture products, textiles and other goods. “Every country has its own agenda and tries to protect their lobby. In Europe, a powerful petrochemical lobby is trying to push to prevent the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and EU from being concluded,” he said. He added that the GCC had been discussing the FTA with the EU for the last 15 years and the talks are still going on, with hopes for a positive outcome. “At the end of the day, we will have to have an answer: “Do you believe in free trade or not? I hope to see the FTA with EU finalised as soon as possible. I cannot tell when, but it will not be easy,” said Al Attiyah.

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