Controversial TTIP trade deal good for Netherlands say economists

The controversial trade agreement between Europe and the United States TTIP will be good for the Dutch economy, according to 71 percent of economists panel Me Judice in a Nieuwsuur survey, NOS reports. The majority of the economists see advantages in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. On a purely economical basis, increased international trade always holds benefits, according to them. They point out however, that the politicians should take citizens' concerns about food safety and environmental impact into account. Negotiations on the TTIP started three years ago, with the aim of having an agreement in place before the United States' presidential elections this year. But it seems unlikely that this will actually happen. According to NOS, recently leaked negotiation documents show that the parties are still far apart on a number of issues. For example, in environment, climate and food safety. The EU wants companies to prove their products are safe before they hit the market. The Americans want the importing country to prove that the products are not safe.