Welcome rethink on FTAs

Exports can enable sustainable economic growth

The government seems to be resetting its position on trade policy. The Union commerce secretary recently said India would fast-track free trade agreements (FTAs) as the country needed to engage with the rest of the world. Since the world is moving towards bilateral and regional trade arrangements, such deals would be important. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has endorsed this position. During an interaction with export promotion councils on Thursday, Mr Goyal said that “early harvest” agreements with a host of countries, including the UK and Australia, were progressing fast. An early harvest deal is a precursor to