The parties have agreed to launch negotiations on key issues such as market access, investment protection and geographical indications. Talks with the EU on a free trade agreement are set to begin later this month after eight years with the commerce ministry scheduling a meeting among the stakeholders. Sources said the dates for the first few sessions with the EU representative have been set before the end of this month. The parties have agreed to launch negotiations on key issues such as market access, investment protection and geographical indications. The preliminary talks on the Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) will be based on the initial recommendations of industry groups.

India and UK are aiming to launching the negotiations on FTA by November 2021. Proposed FTA between India & UK is expected to unlock extraordinary business opportunity and generate jobs. Both sides have renewed their commitment to boosting trade in a manner which benefits all. Since the ‘Declaration’ on launch of Enhanced Trade Partnership, announced by Prime Ministers on 4th May 2021, both countries have made substantial progress on various aspects of partnership.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, was apprised of a MoU signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Switzerland to strengthen the relation within the framework of the international scientific and technological collaboration and to promote cooperation in fields of mutual interest. The MoU has been signed in February’2021 by India. This MoU will further strengthen relations between India and the Switzerland within the framework of inter-national scientific and technological co-operation in fields of mutual-interest.

A one-stop-shop for investors to obtain approvals, promote ease of doing business’ Commerce and Industry Minister, launched the single-window portal for investors and businesses. The portal will serve as a one-stop-shop for investors for approvals and clearances. The National Single Window System (NSWS) will usher in a change from the legacy of running to government offices and will promote the ease of doing business, said the Minister at the launch.

The portal, hosts approvals across 18 Central Departments and nine States, and another 14 Central Departments and five States will be added by December 2021,” according to an official statement.