(a) whether the Confederation of Indian Industry has suggested for setting up of an Indo-Asian bilateral investment treaty and entering into selective trade agreements with countries like Singapore and Thailand to facilitate India`s integration with Asian;
(b) If so, the response of the Government of thereto; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to set up Indo-Asian bilateral investment treaty?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (DR. RAMAN SINGH)
(a) To focus on promoting India`s economic cooperation including increased bilateral trade and investment with ASEAN countries, the Confederation of Indian Industry has reported that they had undertaken a study titled `India`s Integration with ASEAN - A strategic perspective` last year and interim presentations were made to CII-ASEAN Committee Members in October, 2000 and March, 2001 suggesting for establishing India`s integration with ASEAN for India`s Asian Identity. While outlining the strategy (in the above presentation) the suggestions made in the study includes:
? Trade is where the focus should be - Need to constitute a Trade Policy Group with focused Agenda on removing trade barriers. ? Selective Free Trade Arrangements may be thought of (Singapore, Thailand). ? Indo-ASEAN Bilateral Investment Treaty may be considered for ASEAN Investment in India. ? Build on facilities and networks.