India may sign FTA with EU this year, says Sharma

Source: Manual      Date: 6/4/2011 9:04:48 AM

Chennai, Jun 4 (PTI) India is hopeful of signing the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union this year and negotiations are at an 'advanced stage', Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said today.

"We are in advanced stages in negotiations for signing the Free Trade Agreement with European Union..It will happen this year..", Sharma told reporters here.

The proposed FTA would be beneficial to the Indian industry, he said, adding, government was also proposing to sign similar agreements with Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

"We are also looking to sign (FTAs) with New Zealand, Canada and Australia..", he said.

In reply to a question on BJP demanding resignation of Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran on allegations of quid pro quo in awarding spectrum to Aircel, he merely said, "it was for the concerned person to respond...