Question : TRADE RELATION WITH AMERICA

(a) whether the Government has signed any agreement with America to double the trade as reported in `Dainik jagran` dated November 13, 2005;

(b) if so, the facts and details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is presently facing problems with America;

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) visited shoe factories in India:

(f) if so, the details thereof;

(g) whether this visit will help Indian leather industry;

(h) if so, the details thereof; and

(i) the other kind of assistance likely to be extended by USA to India?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)

(a): No, Sir.

(b): Does not arise.

(c)&(d): There are several issues of concern to both sides. These inter-alia include the various tariff/non-tariff barriers, agriculture, investment, services, intellectual property rights etc. These issues were taken up for discussion at the recently held India-US Trade Policy Forum meeting in New Delhi on 12 November 2005.

(e)to(i): Yes, Sir. A twelve member US footwear delegation of the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) visited India from 16 to 22 October, 2005. The delegation attended Product Display Exhibitions at Delhi, Agra & Chennai and visited footwear factories. A total of 48 companies displayed their products to the visiting delegates. 13 footwear factories in Agra, Chennai and Ambur were visited by the delegation. The American delegation included representatives of some well known US footwear companies, who have evinced interest in sourcing footwear from India.