India, Australia closer to finalising comprehensive trade agreement

Discussions focus on market access, mobility, and emerging sectors to strengthen bilateral economic ties

December 11, 2024

The latest discussions focused on trade in goods, services, mobility, and agricultural technology cooperation

Market access modalities aligning with India’s food security priorities were a key area of deliberation

Both sides are exploring new areas such as innovation, critical minerals, and sports for inclusion

CECA negotiations began in February 2023, following the interim Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signing in April 2022

India and Australia have made significant strides towards finalising their Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), with both nations agreeing on a roadmap for its early conclusion. During a three-day stocktake meeting held from 4–6 December 2024, officials from both countries discussed critical elements of the agreement, including trade in goods and services, mobility, and agri-tech cooperation.

India’s delegation, led by Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary and Chief Negotiator from the Department of Commerce, engaged in extensive discussions with their Australian counterparts. It was headed by Ravi Kewalram, First Assistant Secretary and Chief Negotiator from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. These talks focused on aligning market access mechanisms with India’s food security objectives.

The CECA negotiations, which began in February 2023, aim to expand upon the interim Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed in April 2022 and implemented in December of the same year. The proposed trade deal covers five core areas: goods, services, digital trade, government procurement, and product-specific rules of origin.

Both nations have expressed interest in integrating emerging sectors such as competition policy, gender, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), innovation, critical minerals, agri-tech, and sports into the agreement. Discussions during the stocktake meeting also reflected optimism about strengthening agricultural innovation, enhancing market access, and building resilient supply chains.

The recent meeting builds on the progress made during the 10th round of negotiations held in Sydney in August 2023. Both delegations expressed confidence in the CECA’s potential to elevate the broader India-Australia economic partnership to new heights.

Source: Economic Times

Recent Articles

India and EU push to finalise trade deal by end of 2025

May 2, 2025

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, held a …

Read More

India’s factory output hits 10-month high as exports surge

May 2, 2025

India’s manufacturing sector grew at its fastest pace in 10 …

Read More

Piyush Goyal concludes historic visit to Norway, eyes deeper trade ties

April 30, 2025

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal has wrapped …

Read More