There is increased momentum for the negotiation of an Australia-India FTA, known as the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). This year, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to conclude a CECA, including reaching an interim early harvest agreement by December 2021, and concluding the negotiations on a full CECA by the end of 2022. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott will be returning to India next week, with the aim of finalising an early harvest agreement which will target non-sensitive sectors.
In joint partnership with the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), the AII took part in hosting ‘The CECA: Roadmaps for the Australia – India Economic Relationship’, a virtual event that focused on the twin roadmaps set out by Australia and India towards greater trade and economic relations. Moderated by our CEO Lisa Singh, the panel included Dr. Amitendu Palit, Ambassador Anil Wadhwa and Peter Varghese.
In response to the invitation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for interested stakeholders to make submissions on the opportunities and impacts of CECA, the AII will be drafting its own submission for an Australia-India CECA. Based on research from both the Australian perspective and Indian perspective, the AII’s submission will address Australia and India’s trading priorities and trade barriers, market access challenges and other issues of importance in doing business with India. It will offer several recommendations by exploring commercial, economic, regional and other impacts that could be expected to arise from a future interim agreement, as well as from a full CECA.
In joint partnership with the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), the AII took part in hosting ‘The CECA: Roadmaps for the Australia – India Economic Relationship’, a virtual event that focused on the twin roadmaps set out by Australia and India towards greater trade and economic relations. Moderated by our CEO Lisa Singh, the panel included Dr. Amitendu Palit, Ambassador Anil Wadhwa and Peter Varghese. While panelists expressed opposing views on the merits of an early harvest agreement, one key point that emerged from the discussion was that investment in India, rather than trying to export to India, will be the key to bringing both countries closer together.