The first protocol amending the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bahrain and the US took effect on Monday, the Industry and Commerce Ministry has announced.

Bahrain has already finalised the ratification procedures with the issuance of the law 28 for 2010. The amended FTA was also promulgated in Bahrain Official Gazette on July 1.

The US also issued the presidential proclamation, officially ratifying the first FTA amendment protocol.

The protocol was signed in Manama last year, on October 21, on the sidelines of the second annual meeting of the joint committee in charge of the FTA review.

Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro and US Assistant Trade Representative Chris Wilson co-chaired the event.

The two sides agreed to amend the deal to reflect the modifications of the International Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System.

Bahrain and the US are both members of International Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System.

The FTA annex modifications concerning the sectors of textile and apparel in particular.-TradeArabia News Service