Pandemic gives a renewed thrust to India-EU ties
Both on the lookout for ways for a quick economic rebound, India and EU are back as partners at the negotiating table that may eventually lead to the long-elusive FTA.
India-UK relationship poised to take a big leap
The commitment made by the two countries, at the 14th JETCO meet, is a step in the right direction, the culmination of which could see the birth of a much-awaited Free Trade Agreement.
India-UK JETCO opens up scope to reap some Early Harvests
The 14th India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) comes with all the promise of post-Brexit “Early Harvest Agreements” in the lead up to a full-fledged free trade agreement (FTA); but it is important that the momentum unleashed by ministers on both sides is revved up to top speed now, writes India Inc. Founder & CEO Manoj Ladwa.
India, UK take a virtual stand on economic ties
The 14th India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) will be held remotely for the first time due to the coronavirus lockdown, reflecting an urgency on both sides to speed up the much-anticipated post-Brexit reset in the bilateral relationship.
A mixed bag for India’s political economy
In light of US President Trump’s recent visit to India, an economic expert suggests some measures the two countries could take to drive their bilateral relationship to the next level. Highlights: President Trump’s reiteration of PM Modi’s policies reinforced the Indian Government’s assertion of successful outreach of its schemes. If a free trade agreement might not be an immediate possibility, a multi-layered trade agreement would help boost import-linked value-added manufacturing and exports from India. The US must consider that a [...]
The approach to foreign trade policy needs to change
The High Level Advisory Group recommends several different avenues ranging from engaging the WTO to more sector-specific approaches to boost India’s share and importance in the global merchandise and services trade. This report on India’s trade prospects and policies is a constructive plea to policymakers of what needs to be done, what is necessary (and possibly sufficient) to accelerate India’s export growth, and thereby accelerate GDP growth towards a potential of 8+ per annum over the next 11 years. Macro [...]
Deal or no deal? Chink of light at the end of the Brexit tunnel
A ‘pared down’ free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and EU may well just be the chink of light at the end of the very long Brexit tunnel.
India sees big opportunities in Africa, a counterpoint to China
By proposing a free trade agreement with Africa and by extending a $50-million grant to Niger to host the African Union Summit, the Modi government has signalled that it will continue to champion close collaboration and partnership with Africa. If Africa were a country, it would be the world’s seventh-largest economy. Then, more than 30 of the 54 nations in Africa are democracies. And Africa has the largest concentration of Indians or Indian origin people outside the sub-continent. In a [...]
New Zealand: A safe and easy place for Indian investors
Joanna Kempkers is the New Zealand High Commissioner to India. In this interview with ‘India Global Business’, the career diplomat lays out the investment climate on offer for Indian companies, prospects of a free trade agreement and areas where the Commonwealth bond between the two countries can be further strengthened. What is the nature of Indian investments in New Zealand and what are the areas these can be further enhanced in? Investment from India to New Zealand has been concentrated [...]
Lack of political will to conclude an India-EU free trade agreement
Geoffrey Van Orden is Britain’s Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the East of England and Vice-Chair of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group. In this interview, he tells ‘India Global Business’ what Brexit means for India-EU relations and why he fears the prospect of a free trade agreement (FTA) will continue to be hampered due to a mismatch in ambitions. As Chairman of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with India, how do you see the India-EU [...]