Brussels, 04/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 29 November the EU and India signed an agreement covering mutual cooperation and administrative assistance in the field of customs. This agreement, which must still be formally adopted by the Council, aims to simplify customs procedures, facilitating trade, and establish a suitable legal framework to strengthen the fight against fraud and irregularities. It is largely based on the provisions in this field between the EU and its main trading partners (United States, Canada, Korean and Hong Kong). The Commission was entrusted with negotiating, on behalf of the European Communities, this agreement with India in the framework of the mandate conferred upon it by the EU Council of Minister, on 28 January 2003. The total value of trade between the EU and India rose from EUR 25 billion in 2001 to EUR 26.1 billion in 2002.