EFTA and India hold eighth round of free trade negotiations

The round allowed for significant progress in most areas discussed, including market access for industrial products, fish and agricultural goods; rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation; trade defense measures; competition; trade in services; and dispute settlement.

The Parties agreed on a roadmap to further advance the process and move towards a conclusion of the negotiations, with a full next round foreseen in September 2011.

The EFTA team was headed by State Secretary Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch from Switzerland, while Secretary Shri P.K. Chaudhery, Department of Commerce, led the Indian delegation.