Question : Centres for Global Trade and Investment Issues

(a) whether the Department of Commerce under the Ministry is setting up four centres for trade and investment law, trade promotion, regional trade and capacity building;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the purpose for setting up of these centres indicating the main focus areas of the said centres;
(c) whether these centres have been set up or being set up on the lines of the existing centres for WTO studies and will be part of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the other steps taken / being taken by the Government for setting up dedicated think tanks for global trade and investment issues?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) Govt. has taken the policy decision to expand the research capabilities of the centre for WTO Studies under renamed Institution Centre for Research and International Trade (CRIT) which will continue to be a part of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT). Accordingly, the Department has approved the proposal to set up four additional Centres in all, viz. Centre for Trade and Investment Law’, ‘Centre for Regional Trade’, ‘Centre for Trade-Related Capacity Building’, and ‘Centre for Trade Promotion’ along with existing Centre for WTO Studies (since 1999). These Centres are being formed to widen scope to better handle contemporary and future requirements like international trade law, regional studies, trade promotion and capacity building. Two of proposed new four Centres namely ‘Centre for Trade and Investment Law’, and ‘Centre for Regional Trade’ have already become operational this year. Stated aims and objectives of the Scheme are:


i) Centre for Research and International Trade:
To influence international discourse on trade and investment issues in consonance with India’s interest. Detail objective of Centre for Research and International Trade (CRIT) may be seen at Annexure-I
ii) Centre for WTO Studies:
To provide institutional support to the government on negotiations in WTO as well as on other trade related issue. Detail objectives of Centre for WTO Studies, as per approved bye-laws, may be seen at Annexure-II.
iii) Centre for Trade and Investment Law:
For creating dedicated pool of legal experts who can advise the govt. on
trade and investment issues. Without a risk of conflict of interest. Detail objectives of Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), as per approved bye- laws, may be seen at Annexure-III.
iv) Centre for Regional Trade:
For analyzing economic developments in different regions and assessing their implications for India with China chair, ASEAN chair, Africa Chair to start with. Detail objectives of Centre for Regional Trade (CRT), as per approved bye- laws, may be seen at Annexure-IV.

v) Centre for Trade-related capacity building:
To undertake training for government officials/stake holders of India, other ‘least developed countries’ and developing countries in capacity building for WTO matters (proposed). Detail objective this centre will be worked out when the bye-laws are framed.

vi) Centre for Trade Promotion:
To undertake research for enhancing India’s market access and promoting exports. Its activities would have territory/product focus. It would advise the Government and exporters on export opportunities, constraints and market access barriers in main markets (proposed).

(c) Yes, with specific objective as above.

(d) Besides these centres, there is no other proposal for setting up any other think tanks for global trade and investment issues.

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ANNEXURE-I

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE (CRIT)

The main objectives of the Centre are as follows:

a. influencing international discourse on trade and investment issues in consonance with India’s interests;

b. undertaking research on trade and investment issues from the development perspective for India and other developing countries;

c. undertaking capacity building activities for domestic stakeholders as well as stakeholders from other developing country organizations/trade professionals;

d. reducing the dependence of developing countries on think tanks and donor agencies of developed countries for intellectual inputs into their trade policy making;

e. creating a dedicated pool of legal experts who can advise the Government on trade and investment issues without a risk of conflict of interest;

f. systematic gathering of market intelligence for boosting India’s exports;

g. identifying and addressing barriers to India’s exports of Goods and Services;

h. analysing economic developments in China and select countries and assessing their implications for India;

i. research on linkages between trade rules and emerging area such currency, climate change, technological changes, etc.





ANNEXURE-II

Purpose and objectives the Centre for WTO Studies (CWTOS).
The main objective of the Centre are as follows:
a. To conduct, undertake and / or commission research and studies in International Trade, commerce and industry and subject related thereto;

b. To collaborate with research and / or industrial organizations of repute in India and abroad for conducting studies, research, exchange programmes, training and other such activities in the field of international trade, commerce and industry;

c. To publish and disseminate research papers, reports, thesis etc. on trade related issues;

d. To create capacity within India and developing capacities of other developing countries.

e. To create WTO Cells in different states of India in consultation with Government;

f. To conduct consultations with domestic and international stakeholders on WTO and other trade related matters;

g. To provide as institutional support to the government on negotiations in the WTO as well as on other trade related matters;

h. To organize and fund seminars, workshops, conferences and other such activities to further research, studies and outreach on trade related issues within and outside India;

i. To aid, advise and assist the Government on international trade issues; and

j. To provide technical support and assist in capacity development of Department of Commerce for data processing and related activities.

k. To conduct any other activity that may be entrusted to the Centre.





ANNEXURE – III
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT LAW (CTIL)

The main objectives of the Centre are as follows:

a. undertaking research on trade and investment issues from the development perspective for India and other developing countries;

b. undertaking research for influencing international discourse on trade and investment issues in consonance with India’s interests;

c. advising the Government of India on trade and investment issues, without a risk of conflict of interest;

d. to anticipate emerging issues on trade policy and investment issues and to inform and shape evidence-based public debate and policy making in India and other developing countries;

e. to provide the intellectual foundation for major international policy initiatives on trade policy and investment issues in India and other developing countries;

f. to provide advice from the perspective of multilateral and bilateral trade and investment agreements for domestic policy making in India and other developing countries;

g. to provide legal and policy related advice in relation to India’s engagement in such multilateral and bilateral trade and investment agreements at broadly five stages: - - negotiation and execution of the agreements;
- review and modification of the agreements;
- assessment of issues of compatibility of a proposed law or measure in India, with its legal obligations under the WTO/FTAs;
- assessment of issues of WTO/FTA compatibility of a measure or a practice, and
- strategy for action and dispute settlement proceedings (State-to-State or Investor-to-State) in view of an alleged breach of a legal obligation under any of the agreements;

h. to enhance awareness of trade and investment issues among multi-stakeholders, including Central Government Ministries, state governments, media, industry associations, civil society organizations and private sector; and assisting developing countries in improving their understanding of trade issues;

i. to conduct any other activity that may be entrusted to the Centre.

ANNEXURE: IV
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE FOR REGIONAL TRADE (CRT):
The main objectives of the Centre are as follows:
a. undertaking research on trade and investment issues relevant to specific regions/countries, including Africa, ASEAN, China, EU, Japan, Korea, etc. from the perspective of implications for India and other developing countries;
b. undertaking research for influencing international discourse on trade and investment issues relevant to specific regions/countries, including Africa, ASEAN, China, EU, Japan, Korea, etc. in consonance with India’s interests;
c. advising the Government of India on trade and investment issues relevant to specific regions/countries, including Africa, ASEAN, China, EU, Japan, Korea, etc., without a risk of conflict of interest;
d. to anticipate emerging issues on trade policy and investment issues relevant to specific regions/countries, including Africa, ASEAN, China, EU, Japan, Korea, etc.and to inform and shape evidence-based public debate and policy making in India and other developing countries;
e. to provide the intellectual foundation for major international policy initiatives on trade policy and investment issues relevant to specific regions/countries, including Africa, ASEAN, China, EU, Japan, Korea, etc. in India and other developing countries;
f. to provide legal and policy advice from the perspective of bilateral trade and investment relations relevant to specific regions/countries, including Africa, ASEAN, China, EU, Japan, Korea, etc., for domestic policy making in India and other developing countries;
g. to enhance awareness of trade and investment issues relevant to specific regions/countries, including Africa, ASEAN, China, EU, Japan, Korea, etc.among multi-stakeholders, including Central Government Ministries, state governments, media, industry associations, civil society organizations and private sector; and assisting developing countries in improving their understanding of trade issues;
h. to undertake research on opportunities for India to enhance trade and investment relations relevant to specific regions/countries, including Africa, ASEAN, China, EU, Japan, Korea, etc.
i. to conduct any other activity that may be entrusted to the Centre.
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