India, China to discuss FTA deal in April

A joint economic group comprising commerce ministers of India and China will meet on April 1 and 2 to discuss the India-China free trade agreement (FTA), Dinesh Sharma, joint secretary, ministry of commerce and industry, said today.

"There are certain outstanding issues that may be resolved across the table in April when the joint economic group meets," Sharma added.

The two countries had set up a joint task force (JTF) to look into the possibility of enhancing trade ties. The JTF had recommended FTA as a mechanism to boost trade dynamics between the countries.

"The recommendations of the JTF will be considered, and some decision can be expected in early April," Sharma added.

The Indian industry has been opposing an FTA with China until it gets the status of market economy. "The pricing mechanism in China is not very transparent, and we do not understand it. Until then, the market economy status should not be granted to China. CII is working with our Chinese counterparts in this regard," said T S Vishwanath, head, CII international trade policy division.