India and Australia to Boost Service Exports through CECA

India is working to enhance services in the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Australia. The aim is to boost service exports and address government procurement and business mobility. Meanwhile, India seeks to amend the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to eliminate trade barriers.

India has set its sights on strengthening the services sector within the proposed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Australia, an official disclosed on Thursday. This focus aligns with an ongoing effort to bolster the nation's export capabilities.

The two nations executed an interim trade agreement in December 2022, encompassing goods and services, and discussions are underway to expand its provisions through CECA. The subsequent round of dialogues is anticipated in December, marking the next step in this bilateral trade endeavor.

In parallel, India is negotiating with the ASEAN bloc to amend the existing Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), combating trade barriers and third-party misuse. This reflects India's larger objective of recalibrating and fortifying its global trade relations strategically.

(With inputs from agencies.)