U.S. begins talks with UAE, Oman

WASHINGTON: The United States began negotiations on Tuesday on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Arab Emirates and will also hold similar talks with Oman on Saturday.

"These FTAs will directly benefit the United States," said acting U.S. Trade Representative Peter Allgeier. He said the agreements "will generate export opportunities for U.S. companies, farmers and ranchers, help create jobs in the United States, and help American consumers save money while offering them more consumer choices".

Allgeier said he hopes the pacts will "serve as models for the region", adding that he expected negotiations to "move rapidly".

The United States already has trade agreements with Jordan, Morocco and Bahrain. -- DPA