The objective of this agreement is to form an area of free trade by gradual removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.

The effective date is 1 January 1997 (provided that both parliaments approve it).

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. It is therefore not a substitute for specialist advice.

For further information contact Ruth Clamp, Arthur Andersen Bratislava on tel: +42 7 5340 545, fax: 42 7 5340 542 or e:mail directly to ruth.a.clamp@ArthurAndersen.com or enter text search 'Arthur Andersen' and 'Business Monitor'.