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