The U.S.–MEFTA initiative started in 2003 with the purpose of creating a U.S.–Middle East Free Trade Area by 2013.
The U.S. objective with this initiative has been to gradually increase trade and investment in the Middle East, and to assist the Middle East countries in implementing domestic reforms, instituting the rule of law, protecting private property rights (including intellectual property), and creating a foundation for openness, economic growth, and prosperity.
Among the stated objectives are:
Screenshot from official US–MEFTA website, 15-11-2004
Actively supporting WTO membership of countries in the Middle East and Maghreb
Expanding the Generalized System of Preferences that currently provides duty-free entry to the U.S. market for some 3,500 products from 140 developing economies
Negotiating bilateral investment treaties with interested countries by obligating governments to treat foreign investors fairly and offering legal protection equal to domestic investors
Negotiating comprehensive free trade agreements with willing countries that demonstrate a commitment to economic openness and reform
Helping to target more than $1 billion of annual U.S. funding and spur partnerships with private organizations and businesses that support trade and development
U.S.–Middle East Free Trade Efforts
Country
FTA
TIFA
BIT
WTO
GSP
Israel
Jordan
Morocco
Bahrain
Egypt
Lebanon
Negotiating Accession
Algeria
Negotiating Accession
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia
Not Eligible
Oman
Kuwait
Not Eligible
UAE
Announced
Not Eligible
Yemen
Negotiating Accession
Qatar
Not Eligible
Syria
Not Eligible
Iraq
Observer Status
Not Eligible
Libya
Negotiating Accession
Not Eligible
Iran
Not Eligible
Note: The Palestinian Authority participates in the U.S.–Israel FTA.
Active agreements
US agreements
The United States currently has several bilateral free trade agreements with nations in the region.
