EU, U.S. negotiators say Brexit not to delay TTIP

Chief negotiators of the European Union (EU) and the United States Friday said Britain's exit from the EU will not delay their ambitious Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

"The decision taken by British people in no way would delay our TTIP negotiations, in no way would change our determination to move ahead," said Ignacio Garcia Bercero, chief EU TTIP negotiator, at a press briefing on the 14th round of TTIP talks concluded earlier Friday.

Brussels and Washington will work hard to achieve their goal -- to conclude the landmark trade deal this year, Garcia Bercero told reporters.

"On Brexit, we are very clear....that the economic rational (for TTIP) remains strong," said Dan Mullaney, chief U.S. TTIP negotiator.

Britain represents a big share in U.S. trade toward the EU, he said. "25 percent of our exports to Europe are to the UK, 25 percent of government procurement opportunities in Europe are in UK and the UK is our largest market globally for services."

Without Britain, the EU market value will be "obviously" be affected, he noted.

The U.S. will continue to analyze the impact in the negotiations but is determined to grasp the "window of opportunity" this year, Mullaney stressed. Endit