Brussels, 24/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - June talks between EU and Indian negotiators, up to ministerial level, will be decisive for concluding a trade pact by end 2012.
Commissioner Karel De Gucht and India's Trade Minister Anand Sharma are to meet end June to speed up talks on free trade between the EU and India which, after having been at a virtual standstill for a long while, have made substantial progress in the last six months. Although the most sensitive issues are still to be settled - motor industry, public procurement, wines and spirits, services and the clause on sustainable development - the partners hope to seal an agreement this autumn. A meeting of chief European and Indian negotiators will precede the De Gucht/Sharma meeting in June, it was reported in the Indian media by Indian Pioneer on 23 May. The agreement, known as BITA, aims to liberalise the trade in goods - with a view to asymmetrical lowering of customs duties on 91-92% of European products compared to 95% of Indian products - and services. It also covers investment, public procurement, health and plant health rules, competition, industrial property, customs and trade facilitation. (EH/transl.jl)