Question : IMPACT OF FTA WITH EU AND OTHER COUNTRIES

(a) whether India has agreed to include provisions on intellectual property protection at higher standards than mandated by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the recently proposed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the European Union (EU);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether such provisions are likely to impact prices, access to medicines and public health policies in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(e) whether trade and economic cooperation being negotiated with Japan and other countries would lead to dumping their toxic wastes in India; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI ANAND SHARMA)

(a-d) No,Madam.The negotiations in the proposed India – EU Broad based Bilateral Agreement are ongoing. Final positions have not emerged and therefore no agreement has been reached in any sector including IPRs

(e) No,Madam.

(f) Does not arise.