New Delhi, Aug 26 (IANS) India is likely to sign free trade agreements with Japan and Malaysia in three to four months, but the pact with the European Union is unlikely to be inked this year as differences over several issues persist, a senior official said Thursday.
‘I am reasonably confident that we will sign the deal with Japan and Malaysia before the end of this year,’ Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar told reporters.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit both these countries in October.
Khullar will visit Tokyo on Sept 8 and 9 to sort out the remaining issues. ‘There are certain issues that need to be resolved. I am hopeful during my visit those will be sorted out,’ he said.
On ongoing trade talks with the European Union, he said it was unlikely to be signed this year as many issues remained unresolved. ‘We are trying to get it wrapped up quickly. But I don’t think it is possible to conclude this year.’
He said elections in India and many European countries and also to the European commission were among the important reasons behind the delay in negotiations.
Khullar said officials from the two sides were likely to meet next month to discuss the matter.
