PARIS, 05 December 2020, (TON): European doubts over a post-Brexit trade deal with Britain boiled over on Friday with France threatening a veto as tricky negotiations entered what could be their final hours.

There is still a risk that Britain and the European Union will fail to agree a post-Brexit trade deal, French European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune said on Friday, adding that, if a good deal cannot be reached France, will veto it.

“I want to tell our fishermen, our producers, the citizens who are listening that we will not accept a deal with bad terms,” Beaune told Europe 1 radio.

“If a good agreement cannot be reached, we will oppose it. Each country has a veto right, so it is possible ... We will do our own evaluation of this draft deal, if there is one.”

Meanwhile, EU chief Charles Michel urged members to remain united behind Brussels' negotiators in post-Brexit trade talks Friday, after France threatened to veto any deal that gives ground to London.

Michel congratulated EU negotiator Michel Barnier on keeping member states informed of his progress in London, and added: "And so until the last minute, the last second of the procedure, we will guarantee that unity amongst ourselves."

Since Britain left the EU on January 31, each side has urged the other to make concessions to unlock a trade deal before Britain’s transition period for leaving the bloc and EU single market ends on Dec. 31.

If the two sides fail to reach a deal, the five-year Brexit divorce will end in disorder. A no-deal exit is the nightmare scenario for businesses and investors.

For Pakistan, as the UK is the third most important destination of its exports owing to GSP Plus Pakistan enjoys, products of Pakistan’s export interest are entitled to duty free treatment. Given the confusion surrounding Brexit, the impact on the country’s exports is unclear. While some exporters are optimistic or indifferent, others see dark clouds looming ahead.