India to Sign FTAs with Malaysia, Japan

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Sept. 8 – India is expected to formally sign free trade agreements with Japan and Malaysia by the end of the year.

India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is slated to be in the countries in October. “I am reasonably confident that we will sign the deal with Japan and Malaysia before the end of this year,” Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar told reporters.

India’s FTA pact with the European Union will probably be delayed to next year because of specific issues.  “We are trying to get it wrapped up quickly. But I don’t think it is possible to conclude this year,” Khullar said.

Moreover, India and other E.U.  member countries are due to hold their elections soon.

India has been actively working on its FTAs. It recently signed an FTA agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.