The 4th Joint Committee meeting for the review of AITIGA (ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement) took place in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 7-9 May 2024. This meeting aimed to enhance trade facilitation and benefits for businesses in the ASEAN-India region.
Co-Chairs
- From India: Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce.
- From Malaysia: Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Trade), Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry.
Participation
Delegates from India and all 10 ASEAN countries participated in the discussions.
Progress of Review
The discussions for the AITIGA review commenced in May 2023. Since then, the Joint Committee has met four times. The Terms of Reference and the Negotiating Structure for the review negotiations were finalized in the first two meetings. Negotiations for the review began in the third meeting held in New Delhi from 18-19 February 2024.
Sub-Committees
- Number: 8 Sub-Committees were formed.
- Active Discussions: 5 Sub-Committees have commenced discussions.
- Physical Meetings: Four Sub-Committees met physically alongside the 4th AITIGA Joint Committee in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
- Topics: National Treatment and Market Access, Rules of Origin, Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures, Legal and Institutional Issues.
- Early Meeting: The Sub-Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary met on 3rd May 2024.
- Guidance: The Joint Committee provided necessary guidance to the Sub-Committees.
Trade Relations
ASEAN accounts for 11% of India’s global trade. Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN stood at USD 122.67 Bn during 2023-24. The enhancement of AITIGA is expected to further augment bilateral trade.
Future Meetings
The 5th Joint Committee meeting is scheduled from 29-31 July 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Where was the 4th Joint Committee meeting for the review of AITIGA held?
- A) New Delhi, India
- B) Jakarta, Indonesia
- C) Putrajaya, Malaysia
- D) Bangkok, Thailand
- Who co-chaired the 4th Joint Committee meeting?
- A) Shri Rajesh Agrawal and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa
- B) Shri Rajesh Agrawal and Mr. Mustafa Ahmad
- C) Shri Rajesh Agrawal and Ms. Mastura Mustafa
- D) Shri Rajesh Kumar and Ms. Mastura Ahmad Mustafa
- How many times has the Joint Committee for AITIGA review met so far?
- A) Two times
- B) Three times
- C) Four times
- D) Five times
- When did the negotiations for the review of AITIGA begin?
- A) May 2023
- B) February 2024
- C) July 2024
- D) March 2024
- What is the next scheduled location for the Joint Committee meeting after Putrajaya?
- A) New Delhi, India
- B) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- C) Jakarta, Indonesia
- D) Singapore