(a) the details of trade issues discussed during the recent visit of U.K. Prime Minister to India;
(b) whether trade of U.K. with India is less in comparison to China;
(c) if so, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether the Government has signed any agreement with U.K.;
(e) if so, the details in this regard; and
(f) the extent to which these agreements will be helpful in improving the present trade status?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) During the recent visit of British Prime Minister to India in September 2005, trade issues discussed by the two sides included matters relating to health sector, services, food processing sector, etc.
(b)&(c) Yes Sir. Bilateral trade between countries depends on a variety of factors including inter-alia size and composition of the economy, competitiveness of the product, marketing strategies etc
(d),(e)&(f) The agreement on setting up of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) has been signed between India and U.K in January 2005. The mandate of the JETCO is to review developments of mutual concern and interest in the field of bilateral economic and trade relations and identify ways and means for increasing the scope of economic cooperation, including expansion of bilateral trade and investment. The Committee seeks to promote its mandate primarily by encouraging private sector initiatives.