Page 3 - India Efta Trade

Govt seeks investment commitment from Switzerland under EFTA pact: Report

India has sought investment commitments from Switzerland under the proposed free trade agreement with the four-nation EFTA bloc, a top government official said on Tuesday. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The official also said negotiations for the pact are at an advanced stage and both sides are trying to conclude it fast. The investment commitment would help India balance Switzerland's decision to remove customs duties on most of its goods. When asked if this move would have an implication on the agreement, the official said that it can be bargained against many other things. "We have told them that we will be requiring commitments on investments so that this zero duty on goods can balance more investments and more manufacturing in the country," the official told PTI. The Indian negotiators are also trying to see how the Swiss companies can come and manufacture in India so that it gives a boost to Make in In

'Free trade agreement talks between India, EFTA bloc at advanced stage'

Negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the four-nation EFTA bloc are at an advanced stage as both sides have reached a shared understanding on key issues, a senior official has said. The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. India and the EFTA have been negotiating the pact, officially dubbed as Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), since January 2008 to boost economic ties. "Following extensive negotiations, a shared understanding has been achieved on key issues during the ministerial meeting. Ongoing efforts are now focused on shaping the convergence that has emerged," the official said. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting recently with Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin in Mumbai. Parmelin, in a social media post on X, has said that officials are working around the clock to settle last details so that it can be signed as soon as possible. "At the last-minute ..

Piyush Goyal discusses progress of FTA deal during EFTA delegation meet

The primary objective of these negotiations is to establish a "fair, mutually beneficial, and comprehensive" trade deal between India and EFTA

India, EFTA agree for early conclusion of talks for free trade agreement

India and the four-nation bloc EFTA have agreed for early conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement, which aims at increasing economic ties between the countries, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday. India and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states -- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland -- are negotiating the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions on the progress of the agreement with a delegation from the European Free Trade Association, led by the Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, in London on July 11 and 12. Helene Budliger Artieda was also accompanied with the industry stakeholders from pharmaceutical, machinery and electronics of EFTA states. "The deliberations between the minister Piyush Goyal and state secretary Helene Budliger Artieda were fruitful and detailed discussions on crucial issues, with the shared goal of swiftly concluding t

EFTA, India aim at building on existing work: Helene Budliger Artieda

EFTA received this proposal from India with an open and positive mind, says Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda

India, EFTA member countries discuss resumption of talks for trade pact

India and the four-nation bloc EFTA on Wednesday discussed ways to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement with a view to strengthening economic ties between the two regions. The subject came up for discussion during a meeting of high-level representatives from India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) here. Both sides "discuss the prospects of resuming their negotiations towards a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)," the commerce ministry said in a statement. Free trade agreements between the two regions are officially dubbed TEPA. Under such pacts, two trading partners significantly reduce or eliminate customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them, besides easing norms to promote trade in services and investments. The high-level delegations were composed of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal; Jan Christian Vestre, Minister of Trade and Industry of Norway; Helene ..

India, EFTA meet on cards for giving shape to free trade agreement

The trade pact talks had started in October 2008