Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday called for greater trade and investment engagement between India and the ten-member ASEAN bloc, especially in agriculture as well as minerals and ocean resources, and suggested the creation of India-ASEAN regional value chains in these segments.
Speaking at the ASEAN-India Business and Investment Meet and Expo, Mr. Prabhu also pitched for easier movement of professionals and skilled workers between India and ASEAN countries to boost services trade as well as investment. The Minister also sought an improvement in India-ASEAN physical connectivity through better infrastructure.
Mr. Prabhu added that India would work closely with ASEAN nations to successfully conclude negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a proposed mega-Free Trade Agreement between ASEAN and six of its FTA partner nations.
