- India has signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
- The agreement, which aims to attract a stunning $100 billion in investment over 15 years, represents a big step towards diversifying imports and strengthening economic connections with key European countries.
About the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Bloc
| Description | |
| Member | Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland |
| Formation | Established in 1960 by seven European countries as an alternative trade bloc to the EU |
| Trade Relations | Free trade agreements among themselves and with other regions |
| Activities | Participate in European Single Market through the EEA Agreement |
| Institutions | EFTA Court, EFTA Surveillance Authority, EFTA Secretariat |
| Relationship with EU | Not part of the EU,But have close economic ties and trade agreements with EU countries |
Why was the FTA revived?
- Resumption of Talks: The trade agreement is finally being implemented after a 16-year hiatus caused by disagreements between the parties.
- Strategic realignment: Changing geopolitical dynamics and shared objectives in lessening reliance on China were critical in resuming negotiations and obtaining an agreement.
Key Decisions
- Investment Commitments: The EFTA countries have pledged to spend $100 billion in India, with the goal of creating 1 million jobs within 15 years, indicating their shared commitment to mutual prosperity and progress.
- Market Access: The agreement improves market access for both commodities and services, including tariff discounts and non-discriminatory treatment of service providers.
- Sectoral Focus: Priority industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, minerals, and services receive special emphasis, reflecting their potential for growth and partnership.
Key Highlights of the Trade Agreement
- Scope of Agreement: The agreement includes tariff reductions for pharmaceuticals, chemical products, minerals, and other critical industries, allowing for improved bilateral economic relations.
- Binding Commitments: The treaty contains a binding commitment to enhance FDI from EFTA states into India by $50 billion in the first ten years and another $50 billion in the next five years.
- Mechanisms of Investment Facilitation: The agreement specifies measures for facilitating private-sector investment flows in EFTA nations while maintaining accountability.
- Rebalancing Concessions: Provisions are in place to revoke tariff concessions if expected investment commitments are not realised, guaranteeing responsibility and compliance with agreed-upon criteria.
- Market Access Commitments: The agreement provides opportunities for Indian service providers, particularly in audio-visual services, by requiring EFTA nations to provide non-discrimination and market access.
- Visa Facilitation: EFTA member nations have established visa categories for intra-corporate transferees and independent professionals, expanding prospects for Indian service providers.
- Tariff Reduction: The agreement calls for the reduction of duties on industrial items shipped to India by EFTA enterprises, such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, watches, and chemicals.
- Agricultural Product Exemption: Although agricultural items are mostly excluded, significant tariff discounts have been provided for both basic and processed agricultural products.
Significance of the FTA’s Timing
- The significance of the FTA’s timing and election concerns: With several nations, including India, beginning electoral procedures, the window for negotiating free trade agreements (FTAs) may close dramatically. Seizing the opportunity is critical as global supply chains transition away from China.
- Geopolitical Opportunity: As global investors seek alternate destinations, delays in promoting investment flows and global integration may result in missed geopolitical opportunities for India.
- Addressing Trade imbalances: India aims to reduce trade imbalances with numerous trading partners, particularly ASEAN nations. While past FTAs offered access to intermediate goods, India’s relatively high average tariffs weakened its position, allowing FTA partners preferential market access.
Challenges in India-EFTA Trade Agreement
- Limited Tariff Benefits: Existing zero or low tariffs in EFTA countries limit the potential profits for Indian products exports, especially in the industrial and agricultural sectors.
- Trade Deficit Concerns: India’s huge trade deficit with EFTA, which is mostly driven by imports of gold and precious metals, raises concerns about trade imbalances.
- Market Access Limitations: The potential for increasing market access for Indian goods in the EFTA remains limited, creating hurdles to trade expansion efforts.
- Competition from Other nations: Other nations, such as Vietnam and Mexico, may compete for EFTA investment pledges, affecting India’s capacity to attract investment.
- Political Uncertainty: The timing of the agreement’s signature is critical because several nations’ elections are approaching, potentially delaying future trade accords and geopolitical chances.
Opportunities in India-EFTA Trade Agreement
- The India-EFTA Trade Agreement provides chances for economic growth and job creation, with a commitment to invest $100 billion over 15 years.
- Services industry Development: The agreement has the potential to strengthen India’s services industry, increasing its competitiveness and boosting economic growth.
- Sectoral Benefits: Investment inflows are expected to help key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food processing, and engineering, potentially reducing dependent on Chinese imports.
- Joint Ventures: Collaboration in specific areas through joint ventures could help with technology transfer, skill development, and product diversity.
- Wider Economic Impact: Investment from EFTA countries, especially Norway’s significant sovereign wealth fund, has the potential to boost economic activity and propel India’s growth trajectory.
Conclusion
- The upcoming trade deal with EFTA represents a fundamental shift in India’s trade dynamics, emphasising economic diversification and strengthening vital industries.
- As India navigates changing global trade environments, leveraging investments from EFTA countries offers a chance to boost growth, create innovation, and lessen reliance on a single market.
Source: https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/india-inks-pact-with-efta-gets-100-billion-commitment/articleshow/108373376.cms#:~:text=As%20part%20of%20the%20Trade,India%20through%20such%20investments%2C%20the