Question : RCEP Agreement

(a) whether the State Governments have raised several issues before the Government in relation to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the State Government of Kerala has requested the Union Government to revisit and revise the RCEP objectives’ so that external competition from developed countries can be prevented;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government has conducted or planning any discussions with the State Governments before signing the RCEP; and
(f) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (f): The Government holds regular stakeholders’ consultations with industry, exporters, trade experts, concerned Ministries/ Departments and State Governments for taking inputs for formulating India’s position in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations. The State Government of Kerala, which has also been consulted, has provided specific inputs that have been taken into account in the negotiations.

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