As soon as the balance of payments difficulties of the main Member countries was overcome and the majority of European countries had succeeded in effectively applying 75 per cent liberalisation measures, the Board was in a position to open a new stage in the progress of trade liberalisation. In 1955, on its proposal, the new liberalisation target was set at 90 per cent overall with a minimum of 75 per cent in each of the three categories. This 90 per cent liberalisation commitment was accompanied by more flexible escape clauses than those previously specified.

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