Super 301 To Be Invoked Only In Disputes Outside Wto Ambit:
The United States will use Super 301 only in exceptional cases where interaction with India is not under WTO guidelines. It will not apply to other industry areas where India follows global trade norms.
This was stated by the outgoing US ambassador to India Frank Wisner at a farewell meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry in the capital yesterday.
He emphasised that the use of Super 301 is his countrys way of ensuring that countries like India get rid of these exceptions to international practice. Pointing out Indias decision to opt out of the balance-of-payment protection granted to it under Article 18 of GATT as a positive step in this direction. But India need to respond to international concerns on intellectual property rights, he stated.
Commenting on the relationship between US companies and their Indian counterparts, Wisner said though it was no longer essential for foreign companies to enter into joint ventures in the country, partnerships are a better way of doing business, but only if the joint venture can be put together sensibly and is based on economic rationale.
He stressed that both the partners need to have a level-playing field with respect to access to international finance. Playing field needs to be levelled. Indian companies need greater access to international capital markets so as to raise funds on terms similar to international companies, he said.
Wisner reiterated his countrys commitment to nuclear non-proliferation that goes beyond mere reduction of nuclear weapons stock. He added his government recognised Indias strategic concerns and compulsions. We need to understand each others defence establishment and our strategic place in West and Central Asia, he said.
Responding to a question on the recent ban on imports of defence components from US by Bharat Electronics Ltd, Wisner said the US government will control a very limited but highly sensitive areas involving national security spheres. This limits our ability to trade in certain sensitive goods. However this does not have an impact on Indias relationship with the US on technical or other issues, Wisner said.
Commenting on his countrys focus on India, the ambassador said: A strong and prosperous India is good for America. We need to overcome residual mistrust that lingers in our relationship. This is a hangover from another era.