A free trade agreement (FTA) is a treaty between countries that aims to promote trade by reducing or eliminating tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers. These agreements also typically establish rules for trade in goods and services, investment, intellectual property, and other areas.

The content of a free trade agreement can vary depending on the countries involved and their priorities. However, most FTAs will include some or all of the following elements:

1. Tariff reduction or elimination: One of the primary goals of an FTA is to reduce or eliminate tariffs on goods traded between the participating countries. This can make products cheaper for consumers and increase trade volumes.

2. Rules of origin: To qualify for the tariff reductions, goods must typically meet certain rules of origin criteria. These criteria may specify the percentage of a product that must be sourced from within the FTA zone to qualify for the preferential tariff treatment.

3. Non-tariff barriers: FTAs can also address non-tariff barriers to trade, such as quotas, licensing requirements, and technical regulations. These barriers can be particularly significant in sectors like agriculture, where non-tariff measures can make it difficult for farmers to access overseas markets.

4. Services: Many FTAs also cover services trade, including financial, telecommunications, and professional services. These provisions can open up new opportunities for service providers to operate in foreign markets.

5. Investment: FTAs can also establish rules for foreign investment, such as minimum investment requirements, protection for investors, and dispute settlement mechanisms.

6. Intellectual property: FTAs may include provisions on the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights, such as copyrights, trademarks, and patents. These provisions can be controversial, as some argue that they can restrict access to essential medicines and technologies.

7. Labor and environmental standards: Some FTAs include provisions on labor and environmental standards, such as commitments to not lower labor or environmental standards to attract investment. These provisions can be important for ensuring that trade supports sustainable development.

Overall, the content of a free trade agreement is complex and can cover a wide variety of issues. By reducing trade barriers and establishing rules for trade, FTAs can promote economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and consumers. However, there can also be downsides to these agreements, such as the risk of job losses in certain sectors and concerns about the impact on environmental and labor standards. As with any policy tool, FTAs should be evaluated carefully to determine their potential benefits and drawbacks.