PTI, New Delhi :
India will soon move a detailed concept note at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to start discussions on trade facilitation agreement in services. The note would seek suggestions and views of the WTO members countries.
“We will soon put the concept note in the multi-lateral body and it will be discussed in the working group of services in Geneva,” a senior commerce ministry official said.
India is pushing for a trade facilitation agreement (TFA) on services to promote trade in this sector along with goods. The WTO has already concluded a similar pact for merchandise.
The TFA in goods will come into force once two-thirds of members have completed their ratification process. It contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit.
It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and compliance issues.
On similar lines, India has asked for an agreement to promote services trade as the sector contributes about 60 per cent in India’s economy and 28 per cent in the total employment.
Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had raised the issue during an informal meeting with key members of WTO on the sidelines of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) ministerial council meeting in Paris.
