Austrailer for a Bigger Show
The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (IndAus ECTA) heralds another new chapter in India’s exciting rise in the global trading arena. The country is regularly scaling new heights in the fiercely competitive global market. Just last month, India achieved and exceeded the ambitious export target of $400 billion for 2021-22, as Indian exporters, including small enterprises, amplified their existing operations, penetrated new markets and shipped out new products, accelerating economic growth and creating jobs at a time the global economy was rattled by the pandemic. A month before that, India signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, creating new avenues for wealth and jobs for its people.
The IndAus ECTA, which symbolises ‘ekta’ between India and Australia, is a major milestone. It will propel bilateral trade from the existing $27.5 billion to $45-50 billion in five years. This is the first trade agreement with a developed economy after more than a decade, and has been achieved after widespread consultations with exporters, traders, small enterprises and professionals.
The trade deals and performance of Indian exporters is a testimony to New India’s new energy and dedication. The entire spectrum of India’s export machinery, from weavers and workers, to entrepreneurs, engineers and software professionals, is hoisting India to a prominent position in the global market.
Open Season
India and Australia have a complementary economic relationship. India exports mainly finished products to Australia and imports primarily minerals, raw material and intermediate goods. India will have duty-free access in Australia for all its products, removing the disadvantage India faced against major rivals, who already have trade deals with Australia. India will also enjoy greater market access for its products while the easing of regulatory processes for pharmaceutical products will open up the attractive $12 billion Australian market in the sector.
Similarly, textiles exports are expected to triple $1.1 billion in three years creating 40,000 new jobs every year with new units likely to come up in small towns and rural areas. Exports of engineering products is likely to jump from $1.2 billion in 2020-21 to $2.7 billion in five years.
Trade agreements with Australia and the UAE are estimated to generate 1 million jobs each in the next 5-7 years. They will also increase investor interest and boost India’s position in global supply chains, adding a strategic dimension to the pact. India has already entered into the trilateral Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) arrangement with Australia and Japan. The agreement reduces the cost of raw material, minerals and intermediate goods for Indian companies, which will help consumers and increase exports.
Out of Bounds, for Now
GoI has taken care of its farmers and kept many sectors out of the agreement. These includes dairy products, chickpeas, walnut, pistachio nut, wheat, rice, bajra, apple, sunflowers seed oil, sugar, oil cake, gold, silver, platinum, jewellery, iron ore and most medical devices.
Students are major beneficiaries. They will be able to get post-study visa for up to four years, which will give them vital international job exposure, and give Australia the benefit of young professionals who have made their mark globally. Further, Indians will get a liberal visa regime, which will allow temporary stay up to four years for intra-corporate transferees, executives and contractual service providers. There are also commitments for entry stay and work rights for family members.
Indian chefs and yoga teachers will also be able to make their mark in Australia with concessions in the visa regime that will allow them to stay for up to four years if they meet eligibility criteria. The two countries are also united by their love for cricket. While each team strives hard to beat the other in intense cricket contests, in the trade arena there is no loser – it’s a win-win situation for both countries.
India is also negotiating trade deals with major western trading partners such as the EU, Canada and Britain. The agreements with the UAE and Australia have demonstrated India’s earnest desire, and industry’s confidence, to enter into trade deals where both countries gain, and given a solid basis for more trade pacts.
[The Blog was first published in the Economic Times and is written by Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution and Textiles.]
