Question : CEPA WITH JAPAN

(a) whether an official delegation from India and Japan met in January, 2010 to take forward negotiations on linking a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA);

(b) if so, the details thereof and whether these negotiations have worked on narrowing gaps in services and pharmaceuticals;

(c) if so, the main decisions taken and agreements reached therein;

(d) whether similar agreements were signed/are likely to be signed with Malaysia, China and other countries;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the extent to which the trade agreements will improve trade relations with these countries?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)

(a) to (c) An informal meeting at working level between Japanese delegation and Indian delegation was held on 29th January, 2010 in New Delhi. During the informal meeting both sides have shown desire to conclude this agreement for their mutual benefit. The next round of India-Japan negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is to be held in April 2010.

(d) & (e) A list of Agreements signed and Free Trade Agreements under negotiations is Annexed.

(f) Since Trade Agreements give preferential market access to the trading partners, substantial increase in trade with the partner countries is expected. In respect of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements the expectations are of substantial increase in Trade in Goods, services and Investments alongwith integration of economies of Partner Countries.