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Joint minutes of the first meeting of the Sub-Committee on Services and Investment under the free trade agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Iceland and the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway.

First meeting took place online on 16 March 2023.

1.Ìý³Ò°ù±ð±ð³Ù¾±²Ô²µ and opening remarks

The first meeting of the Sub-Committee on Services and Investment (“the Committeeâ€�) under theÌýUK-EEAÌýEFTAÌýfree trade agreement (“the Agreementâ€�) took place on 16 March 2023, and was held virtually.

Participants from theÌýEEAÌýEFTAÌýstates, including from the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Ministry of Education and Research, Ministry of Health and Care Services, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion; the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and Children, Electronic Communications Office of Iceland (ECOI); and the Liechtensteiner Ministry of Foreign Affairs, andÌýUKÌýparticipants from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), had a fruitful exchange of views on matters related to Chapter 3 (Services and Investment) of theÌýFTA.

The parties expressed satisfaction at the organisation of the first meeting of the sub-committee, and welcomed the opportunity to take stock of the current relationship.

2.ÌýApproval of the agenda and adoption of the Rules of Procedure

The meeting agenda was adopted. The Rules of Procedure of the Joint Committee were adopted mutatis mutandis.

3.ÌýDiscussion on mobility betweenÌýUKÌýandÌýEEAÌýEFTAÌýfor offshore workers

Both sides discussed mobility between theÌýUKÌýand theÌýEEAÌýEFTAÌýstates, in particular for offshore workers between theÌýUKÌýand Norway. Both sides committed to explore further collaboration in this area in more detail.

4.ÌýDiscussion on market access for domestic maritime transport

The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries presented on market access pertaining to domestic maritime transport in theÌýUK.

5.ÌýExchange of updates on the implementation of Chapter 12

All parties provided an update on the progress of the implementation of Chapter 12 of the Agreement, which covers recognition of professional qualifications. All parties committed to technical discussions on a note theÌýUKÌýhad shared with theÌýEEAÌýEFTAÌýstates in advance of the meeting.

6.ÌýDiscussion on international mobile roaming

On international mobile roaming, theÌýUK, Norway, and Iceland exchanged updates on their implementation of Joint Committee Decision No. 2/2022, capping wholesale international mobile roaming rates.

Each country shared information on their respective procedures for adopting the necessary legislation, noting that all are on track to successfully implement the decision. TheÌýUKÌýcommitted to providing confirmation of entry into force of theÌýUK’s domestic legislation.

7.ÌýReservations concerning new services

The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries updated theÌýUKÌýon their request to include a reservation on ‘new servicesâ€� in their reservation list. Parties agreed to continue discussions on the facilitation of this request in the future.

8.ÌýClosing remarks

Both sides underlined the importance of continuing further discussions, noting that the Committee provided a useful launching point. TheÌýEEAÌýEFTAÌýstates expressed their gratitude to theÌýUKÌýfor hosting the Committee. The action points from the Committee were noted, and an agreement to share these following the meeting was made.