1.   

WTO is close to solution, thanks to strong leadership in India: Nirmala Sitharaman

Strong leadership in India and substantive arguments led to resolution of differences on food security related issues and paved the way for ending the impasse at the WTO soon, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today. India's voice is not just heard but taken seriously at global institutions like the IMF, the World Bank and G-20, she added. Talking about WTO, she said in July members labelled India as the deal breaker, but thanks to the country's strong leadership New Delhi managed to convince the multilateral body about its legitimate demand.

2.   

India seeks to enhance Multilateral Trade Cooperation within SAARC

While contradictory messages have gone out to the world on India’s stand on Trade Facilitation, the country is galloping ahead with something similar on a slightly smaller scale, within SAARC or the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation that comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. If everything works out smoothly, soon the SAARC nations may ply their vehicles in others members’ nation territory for transportation of cargo and passengers. This is one of the aims of the Modi government which approved yesterday the Signing and ratifying the SAARC Motor Vehicles Agreement at the 18th SAARC summit on November 26-27, 2014 in Kathmandu. The agreement is expected to lead to closer regional economic cooperation and integration through enhanced regional connectivity.

3.   

South Carolina Governer Nikki Haley calls for enhancing trade ties between US and India

Indian-origin Governor of the US state of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, today invited Indian businessmen across various sectors for setting up businesses in her home State as part of enhancing trade ties between the two countries. The Governor along with a high-level business delegation were in Chennai, on their final leg of their 10-day tour of India, inviting Indian businessmen to make investments in South Carolina and boosting bilateral trade relations.

4.   

Saskatchewan seeks collaboration in agriculture with Punjab

Canadian province Saskatchewan's Premier Brad Wall today evinced keen interest in collaboration with Punjab in agriculture, food technology and skill development. Technical education, dairying and livestock management are some other areas where Saskatchewan is keen on tie-up with Punjab. A delegation led by Wall called on Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal here this evening, said an official release.