European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson on Wednesday proposed opening free trade talks with Central American and Andean nations.

"These agreements will establish the foundations for deep economic and trade relations," Mandelson said at the EU headquarters.

According to EU rules, Mandelson's proposal needs to be approved by EU member states.

Following the suspension of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha round talks in July, the EU has sought to open free trade talks with major trading partners.

Mandelson also said he would seek the right to negotiate bilateral trade deals with India, South Korea and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).