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Free trade agreements find few takers despite India's high export hopes

The seven FTAs are not seen as necessary for India's expectations to double the size of her economy by 2025

Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia
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Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia

Subhomoy Bhattacharjee New Delhi
Commerce Secretary Rita Teotia got the loudest applause at the Delhi Dialogue last week for her firm assertion that free trade agreements (FTA) India has signed up are not popular within the country, including the ambitious 15-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Addressing an audience of Indian business chambers like Ficci, external affairs specialists and delegates from some of the Asean think tanks, she said, “FTAs have to show they add to jobs. They have to allow our businessmen to do business with countries we have signed those with.” Her assertion makes clear that FTAs not only do not enjoy

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