TRADE AGREEMENTS
India, UK may close FTA deal very quickly: Minister Piyush Goyal
Shortly after Keir Starmer assumed leadership of the British government, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed that the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India is on the verge of completion. This progress follows a telephone discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who secured a decisive electoral victory. The UK government stated that during their conversation, they discussed finalizing a mutually beneficial trade deal.
Surging: Russia-India trade USD 57 bn in 2023; goes up 23 pc in Jan-April 2024
Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov emphasized the strategic importance of the India-Russia partnership, noting a significant boost in trade turnover. The trade between the two nations surged to USD 57 billion in 2023 and continued its upward trajectory in 2024, achieving a 23 percent growth and nearing USD 18 billion by April.
Piyush Goyal to visit Switzerland to take forward EFTA commitments
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced Wednesday that the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is eager to invest in India, urging the domestic industry to seize this opportunity. Goyal, set to visit Switzerland on Sunday to advance EFTA commitments, emphasized that the $100 billion commitment is for foreign direct investments, not portfolio investments. EFTA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
India and Russia set $100 billion trade goal by 2030, cooperation in energy, agriculture
India and Russia aim to boost their bilateral trade to over USD 100 billion by 2030. The focus is on using national currencies, expanding trade routes, and increasing cooperation in sectors like energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy. The agreement, announced at the 22nd Annual Bilateral Summit in Moscow, includes eliminating trade barriers, optimizing customs procedures, and promoting investments and joint projects, with a strong emphasis on humanitarian and cultural collaboration.
India, UK to hold next round of talks on proposed trade agreement this month
Senior officials of India and the UK will hold talks this month to finalise the proposed free trade agreement, as the new government in Britain aims to resolve pending issues and conclude negotiations. The talks, which began in January 2022, were stalled during the countries' general election cycles. Both sides are working towards a mutually beneficial FTA, addressing issues in goods, services, investments, and intellectual property rights.
PM Modi speaks to Keir Starmer and congratulates him for being elected as the UK PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to newly elected British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the two leaders agreed to work towards an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-UK free trade agreement, a statement said.PM Modi speaks to Keir Starmer a...
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Prioritising India-UK ties, FTA in focus under new PM Keir Starmer
The India-UK FTA talks began in January 2022 but were stalled in the 14th round as both countries stepped into their general election cycles this year. India saw the new government in the first week and on Friday, it was the UK's. "There is no question in my mind that India will continue to be important for the new Labour government," said Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, Senior Fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
Government change in UK won't impact proposed FTA
The Labour Party gained a landslide majority in Thursday's parliamentary elections and dealt a bruising defeat to incumbent Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. "Smooth transition of current talks will take place as the Labour Party has shown support to the trade deal with India," said Sachin Chaturvedi, Director General, Research and Information System for Developing Countries. The Labour Party holds a different position on social service payments and totalisation issues, he said, adding that this could be an arena of discussion in upcoming rounds of talks.
India-UK FTA: Dynamics set to change after Starmer-led Labour Party's election victory?
India-UK FTA: Keir Starmer's Labour Party is poised to end the 14-year Conservative Party rule in the UK, with Starmer set to become the next Prime Minister. The change in government is expected to have minimal impact on India-UK relations, particularly concerning the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Starmer's manifesto pledges to pursue a "new strategic partnership" with India, focusing on finalizing the FTA, marking a departure from previous Labour Party stances. Despite the anticipated shift, the specific timelines for concluding the FTA remain uncertain.
US automobile industry threatened by prospects of Chinese EVs entering the country through the Mexican border
The US automobile industry has been threatened by the prospects of low-cost Chinese Electric Vehicles (EVs) reaching the country through the Mexican border. The US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement provides for free movement of goods and services between the three countries. The average price of an EV manufactured in the US has been priced at $55,000 and the Chinese EVs are priced at half this rate.
Discussions on for comprehensive free trade agreement with India: Australian diplomat
Nicholas McCaffrey aims to enhance the scope and impact of the existing trade agreement between India and Australia, working towards formulating a comprehensive free trade agreement to strengthen economic relations between the two nations.
India's exports grew 1.1%, but trade momentum to continue: CRISIL
India's merchandise exports rose by 9.1% to USD 38.1 billion in May compared to last year, with a modest 1.1% increase from April, driven by both oil and non-oil sectors. Imports surged by 7.7% to USD 61.2 billion, mainly due to oil and core imports, widening the trade deficit to USD 23.8 billion.
Gold, silver import surges 210 pc in 2023-24 from UAE; need duty revision in FTA: GTRI
Economic think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said this sharp rise in gold and silver imports is primarily driven by import duty concessions granted by India to the UAE under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
CBIC orders release of imports without delay
Industry was facing delays in release of consignments and denial of free trade agreement benefits with authorities questioning value addition in third-party invoicing, ET reported on June 8.
"If they are considering FTA with India, we will surely look into it": MEA denies any FTA proposal with Maldives
India on Thursday said it has not made any proposal to the Maldives for a bilateral free trade agreement (DTA) and that it was ready to consider if the island nation expresses interest for such a pact. "No specific proposal for a bilateral FTA with the Maldives has been made by the Government of India," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
UAE looking to expand scope of trade under CEPA with India: Official
The UAE aims to expand the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India, signed on February 18, 2022, to enhance bilateral trade. Feryal Ahmadi, COO of Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre, highlighted potential sectors like agri-commodities and critical minerals. She emphasized India's significance as a trading partner and discussed the growth in UAE-India CEPA trade.
Commerce ministry working on standard operating procedure for FTA negotiation
The commerce ministry recently conducted a 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan's Neemrana to discuss issues related to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The event included deliberations on standard operating procedures (SoPs) for FTA negotiations, capacity building, and addressing contemporary issues like labor, environment, and gender. Participants emphasised the importance of economic assessment, digital trade challenges, and interdisciplinary support for successful negotiations. They highlighted the need for expertise in law, economics, data analytics, and industry-specific knowledge.
Singapore and Kazakhstan plan Eurasia to ASEAN trade & transit corridor
Singapore and Kazakhstan strengthen economic ties, enhancing India's role as a link between Southeast Asia and Eurasia. Kazakhstan's transport initiatives and Singapore's expertise create new business opportunities. The countries sign agreements to boost trade and investment, with Singapore investing in Kazakhstan's economy. Cooperation focuses on innovation and digitalization for mutual benefit.
Hope India-UK FTA not far away, says incoming FICCI UK Council chair
Priya Guha, the new chair of FICCI UK Council, and Baroness Usha Prashar discuss the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, emphasizing research, innovation, and cultural ties for a stronger bilateral partnership.
Commerce ministry's draft strategy to negotiate future FTAs to be circulated among key departments soon
The commerce ministry has developed a draft comprehensive strategy for future Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The draft will reviewed by key departments, aiming to streamline negotiation processes with India's trading partners. The strategy, presented during a recent meeting involving trade experts, aims to ensure thorough analysis, background work, and systematic reporting throughout negotiation phases. Discussions at a recent 'Chintan Shivir' in Rajasthan also covered topics like India's trade strategy, including new issues like labour and environment in FTAs.
India, Eurasian Economic Union to soon start FTA negotiations
India is set to negotiate a free trade agreement with Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), providing it with access to markets in five resource-rich post-Soviet states. The agreement will benefit Indian exporters in sectors like engineering goods, electronics, and agriculture. The agreement will also benefit India's management of the Chabahar Port in Iran, providing a connectivity corridor to Eurasia.
Comm Min holds discussions on formulating SOPs to negotiate FTAs
The commerce ministry discussed formulating SOPs for negotiating FTAs during a Chintan Shivir, engaging with trade partners like the UK, EU, Peru, Australia, and the Eurasian Economic Union. The discussions included India's trade strategy, vision 2047, and new disciplines like labour and environment.
India's spike in trade with Russia not 'temporary phenomenon', says S Jaishankar
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted that the growing trade between India and Russia is not a passing trend but a result of emerging economic prospects. He emphasised the long-standing relationship between the two nations despite India's stance on the Ukraine conflict. Trade has seen a significant increase with India becoming a top buyer of Russian oil amid Western sanctions. Efforts are underway to deepen economic ties further.
Plan to put in place SOP for negotiations on trade pacts
India plans to establish an SOP for negotiating FTAs, addressing labor, environment, gender, and indigenous peoples. The Chintan Shivir will discuss strategies for FTAs, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and critical minerals.
Increasing FTAs key strategy for enhancing financial services exports: DFS Secy
Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi emphasized the importance of increasing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to boost India's financial services exports during a workshop on financial services in FTAs. The event, jointly organized by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) and Exim Bank, aimed to explore the role of financial services in FTAs and their impact on global trade and economic development.
India's imports from FTA partners up 38% during 2019-24 fiscal years: GTRI
According to data from the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India's imports from countries with which it has free trade agreements (FTAs), such as the UAE, South Korea, and Australia, increased by about 38% during the fiscal years 2019-24, reaching USD 187.92 billion. In contrast, exports to FTA partners rose by 14.48% to USD 122.72 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24 from USD 107.20 billion in 2018-19.
Next round of India-Asean trade pact review talks in July
The discussions for review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), to make it more trade-facilitative and beneficial for businesses across the region, started in May 2023. The Joint Committee undertaking the review work has met four times so far and has finalised its terms of reference and the negotiating structure for the review negotiations in its first two meetings and initiated the negotiations for review of AITIGA from its third meeting held from February 18-19, 2024 in New Delhi.
Next round of talks for India-Asean trade pact review in July
The discussions for review of AITIGA (Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement) started in May 2023 to make it more trade-facilitative and beneficial for businesses across the region, the commerce ministry said. A joint committee, which is undertaking the review work, has so far met four times.
Industry asked to name items from areas where India can be self-reliant
The fact that India's exports between April and January of FY24 were $3.7 billion and its imports, primarily from Russia's crude oil imports, were $51.7 billion, is what worries New Delhi. Additionally, the bloc has free trade agreements with Iran, China, Vietnam, and Serbia; these agreements may have an effect on the competitiveness of Indian industry in any of the EAEU markets.
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