PRAGUE, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The Czech Chamber of Deputies, the lower house, approved on Tuesday the ratification of the strategic partnership agreement and supported the CETA economic and trade agreement between the EU and Canada.
The EU-Canada strategic partnership agreement was approved by European Parliament in mid-February and by Czech Senate in March.
It regulates joint steps of the two sides against terrorism, the proliferation of the arms of mass destruction and money laundering. It also includes the two sides' commitment to contribute to the prevention of the weapons of mass destruction.
The CETA deal was also discussed in the first reading in the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday. The European Parliament approved it in mid-February, Czech Senate approved it in April.
The deal removes customs duties and industrial fees between EU countries and Canada, which would make Czech entrepreneurs more active on the Canadian market.
According to experts, CETA could bring about a rise of one fifth in trade between EU and Canada. It should also stimulate economic growth and help create new jobs. The Chmaber of Deputies could vote on the approval of CETA's ratification at its September meeting.
