intercultural resources
FTA WATCH-INDIA

ASEAN–India FTA
Negotiations for an ASEAN-India FTA were concluded in October 2008. The agreement was to be signed at the 14th ASEAN Summit held at the end of February in Thailand. But, the current economic situation has necessitated a decision by the Cabinet. This has put the agreement on hold, along with similar agreements with Thailand and South Korea. (See FTA Watch – India No. 3, February 23, 2009). With the general elections around the corner, these decisions are likely to be postponed further.

UPA's FTA success rate 1 out of 15
Business Standard | February 25, 2009
Government sources have said that at least three FTA agreements whose negotiations were concluded last year would be cleared by the new government when it takes charge in May. The ambitious FTA with ASEAN and South Korea still face rough weather.

Call to Hasten Indo-ASEAN FTA to Face Global Recession
Bernama | March 6, 2009
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) wants the Indo-ASEAN FTA to be urgently signed to counter rising protectionism by the world's major economies. The EU, Japan and the United States control almost 60 percent of the world gross domestic product, 35 percent of world exports and 44 percent of world imports. "Such a high level of concentration of exports to these countries has alarmingly dampened the export growth in India and ASEAN,” said secretary general D.S. Rawat.

Economic ministers sign eight agreements at 14th ASEAN Summit
Asia News Network | February 26, 2009
Economic ministers of the 10-member ASEAN signed eight agreements aimed at boosting trade, investment and employment in the region. Topping the list of the agreements signed are the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA).