In a monumental move to reshape economic dynamics, India is poised to sign a historic investment pact with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), promising an infusion of $100 billion into the economy and creating 10 lakh jobs. This landmark agreement, slated for signing tomorrow, marks a significant milestone in India’s economic trajectory.
India’s Investment Pact with EFTA: A Game-Changer for the Indian Economy
The investment pact, tied with the trade agreement between India and the four-member European Free Trade Association (EFTA), underscores a strategic partnership to foster economic growth and job creation. Over 15 years, this commitment is expected to fuel growth across various sectors and boost the Indian economy.
🌍 India-EFTA trade pact 🤝
📈 $100 billion investment in 15 years
🤝 TEPA signing with EFTA officials in New Delhi
🇮🇳 First trade deal with the European bloc
💼 Boosting economy and job creation#IndiaEFTA #TradeAgreement #EconomicPartnership #PowerCorridors pic.twitter.com/sgCFGX39iA— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) March 9, 2024
A delegation comprising officials from EFTA nations – Iceland, Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein – is anticipated to officially sign the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in New Delhi over the weekend. This marks India’s inaugural trade deal with a European nation or bloc and the fourth agreement to be signed within a decade.
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Negotiations and Implications of TEPA: A Comprehensive Overview
Under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), India and EFTA nations are anticipated to provide duty-free access to items across diverse sectors, facilitating smoother trade relations. For India, the primary benefit lies in the $100 billion investment commitment, which holds the potential to catalyze economic development and enhance job opportunities.
Negotiations for the TEPA have been ongoing for over 15 years, with intermittent rounds of talks held since its inception. The resumption of negotiations in 2016 marked a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations. As India’s largest trading partner among the EFTA nations, Switzerland underscores this agreement’s significance in fostering bilateral trade ties.
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Cabinet Note on India-Oman FTA: Furthering Trade Relations
In parallel developments, the commerce department is finalizing a Cabinet note to approve a free-trade agreement (FTA) between India and Oman. With the impending announcement of the model code of conduct (MCC) ahead of general elections, India aims to expedite the finalization of the trade pact, showcasing its commitment to bolstering trade relations.
While negotiations with the United Kingdom (UK) for a trade agreement have been substantially concluded, the finalization of the deal may face delays due to the impending MCC. Despite this, officials remain optimistic about enhancing bilateral trade ties between India and the UK, underscoring the dynamic landscape of international trade negotiations.