(a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the study on bilateral
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) by Indian Institute of
Foreign Trade commissioned by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
(ASSOCHAM);
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the response of the Government thereto?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) & (c) The Study commissioned by ASSOCHAM gives an analysis of trade and
services issues and the salient features of various Free Trade Agreements(FTAs) signed
by India. The study also discusses FTA related standard issues like benefits of FTAs
to member countries over non-member countries, barriers to trade, asymmetry of gains owing
to level of tariffs etc.