5th AITIGA Meeting Aims to Boost India-ASEAN Trade Ties

The 5th AITIGA joint committee meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, chaired by officials from India and Malaysia, focused on enhancing trade between India and ASEAN. Various sub-committees engaged in extensive discussions on multiple trade aspects. Next meeting set for November in India.

The 5th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) joint committee meeting took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 29 to August 1. The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary of India's Department of Commerce, and Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade) of Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry. Representatives from all ten ASEAN countries and India participated.

Initiated in May 2023, the AITIGA Joint Committee began its review of the agreement by finalizing its Terms of Reference and Negotiating Structure, commencing substantial negotiations in February 2024. The initial rounds of negotiations occurred in New Delhi and Putrajaya, Malaysia.

During the Jakarta session, eight sub-committees focused on areas including 'National Treatment and Market Access', 'Rules of Origin', and 'Economic and Technical Cooperation'. These groups engaged in significant discussions, reporting outcomes to the AITIGA JC, which provided guidance for future negotiations.

On the sidelines, bilateral meetings were held between Indian delegation leaders and counterparts from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, to forge common understandings on key issues. Separate discussions with ASEAN leaders aimed to explore ways to enhance economic cooperation.

ASEAN remains a vital trade partner for India, constituting about 11% of India's global trade. The AITIGA review, initially signed in 2009, is anticipated to open new pathways for business enhancement. The next AITIGA Joint Committee meeting is set for November in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)