|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 15 February 2005 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
The second round of negotiations led by the Commerce Secretaries of India and Sri Lanka on the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) were held in New Delhi on February 10 to 11. Both sides agreed to set up a Trade Negotiating Committee, its working groups and sub groups and set out a clear road map for negotiations to conclude the CEPA expeditiously, a Foreign Ministry release said. It was decided that the working groups should submit their report by June, 2005 to enable CEPA to be concluded as early as possible. The negotiations would include widening and deepening free trade in goods under the India-Sri Lanka FTA in operation since March 2000. On services, investment and economic co-operation, the working groups will identify the areas which would be of mutual benefit and recommend the modalities for substantial increase in bilateral trade and economic co-operation. It was agreed that the Joint Study Group report submitted to the two Governments in October 2003 would be a useful reference document and provide practical inputs for negotiations. It was also decided to explore the possibility of setting up of an Economic Co-operation Fund which would facilitate the flow of investments from India to Sri Lanka. Issues pertaining to problems which have arisen in the process of implementation of the FTA in goods were also discussed. The issue of substantial under utilisation of garment quota by Sri Lankan under existing arrangements was addressed by India to the satisfaction of the Sri Lanka side. It was agreed to hold the next round of negotiations in Colombo in March 2005. Discussions were held in an atmosphere of warm friendship and cordiality. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
