The U.S. MEFTA initiative started in 2003 with the purpose of creating a U.S. Middle East Free Trade Area

Free trade area

A free trade area is a trade bloc whose member countries have signed a free trade agreement , which eliminates tariffs, import quotas, and preferences on most goods and services traded between them. If people are also free to move between the countries, in addition to FTA, it would also be...

 by 2013.

The U.S. objective with this initiative has been to gradually increase trade and investment in the Middle East

Middle East

The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...

, and to assist the Middle East countries in implementing domestic reforms, instituting the rule of law, protecting private property rights (including intellectual property), and creating a foundation for openness, economic growth, and prosperity.

Among the stated objectives are:

• Actively supporting WTO membership of countries in the Middle East
  Middle East
  The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
  
   and Maghreb
• Expanding the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP's)
  Generalized System of Preferences
  The Generalized System of Preferences, or GSP, is a formal system of exemption from the more general rules of the World Trade Organization ,...
  
   that currently provides duty-free entry to the U.S.