Question : INDO-CHINA AGREEMENT



(a) whether India and China have agreed to strengthen economic co-operation;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether both countries have signed trade agreement in this regard; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI KAMAL NATH)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (b) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 276 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.7.2004.

During the visit of the Prime Minister to China between 22-27 June, 2003 the following agreements relating to trade were signed:-


(i) A Memorandum on Expanding Border Trade;


(ii) A Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Exporting Mangoes from India to China;


(iii) A Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation including, inter-alia, the following elements pertaining to trade:-

- The importance of the Ministerial meeting of the Joint Economic Group (JEG)

- Setting up of a compact Joint Study Group (JSG) composed of officials and economists to examine the potential of complementarities between the two countries in expanding trade and economic cooperation.