1.   

India-Pakistan trade potential is $19.8 bn: ICRIER

Stating that the huge bilateral trade potential between India and Pakistan -- estimated to be $19.8 billion -- needs to be exploited, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) has pitched for an investment treaty between the two neighbours. A study carried out by Nisha Taneja of ICRIER on ``Enhancing India-Pakistan Trade’’, states that for stronger trade links, it is important that there are foreign investment flows between the two countries. India has permitted investment in and from Pakistan.

2.   

India, EU expedite trade pact talks

India and the 27-nation bloc European Union (EU) today vowed to expedite the talks to conclude a trade deal even as both sides missed yet another deadline to sign the much-ambitious Broad-Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) while failing to indicate a proper timeline. “The goal is to try and formalize it as early as possible. There is a commitment to resolve this as quickly as possible and we hope it is finalized at an early date,” official spokesperson of ministry of external affairs told reporters here today.

3.   

Farm costs panel pitches for stable agri-trade policy

The Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) has pitched for a stable, long-term agri-trade policy that will regulate exports and imports taking recourse to tariff measures, not quantitative restrictions. In a discussion paper on “Farm Trade: Tapping the Hidden Potential,” the CACP Chairman Ashok Gulati said a stable and liberal trade policy with moderate duties of 5-10 per cent would go a long way in promoting agricultural growth.

4.   

Agriculture exports could cross $42 billion this year: CACP

Though government constantly focuses on increasing exports of manufactured goods and services, according to a paper written by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) chief Ashok Gulati along with Surbhi Jain and Anwarul Hoda, its off-on policy on agricultural exports is preventing the country for achieving its potential. “If the government is proactive, FY’12 exports can cross $42– 43 billion”, Gulati says.