Trade pact with Japan for 9,000 items likely

India and Japan will hold negotiations for signing a comprehensive economic partnership pact (CEPA) during Japanese minister of economy, trade and industry Nasayuki Naoshima’s three-day visit to India beginning Friday.

This agreement would remove duty and other barriers for bilateral investment and trade in goods and services for the countries. As many as 9,000 products ranging from steel, pharmaceuticals and machinery will be traded with zero or marginal tariff. The pact is scheduled to be signed by end of the calendar year.

“We are making progress in our negotiations. As per our political commitments, we would like to sign the pact. We want goods, services and investments in the trade agreement. But Japan has some basic issues which are yet to be resolved,” an official said.

The last round of negotiations was held during September 29-October 1, 2009 in Tokyo. Officials from the two countries have held 12 rounds of discussions without reso” an official said.

The last round of negotiations was held during September 29-October 1, 2009 in Tokyo. Officials from the two countries have held 12 rounds of discussions without reso” an official said.

The last round of negotiations was held during September 29-October 1, 2009 in Tokyo. Officials from the two countries have held 12 rounds of discussions without reso” an official said.

The last round of negotiations was held during September 29-October 1, 2009 in Tokyo. Officials from the two countries have held 12 rounds of discussions without reso” an official said.

The last round of negotiations was held during September 29-October 1, 2009 in Tokyo. Officials from the two countries have held 12 rounds of discussions without reso” an official said.

The last round of negotiations was held during September 29-October 1, 2009 in Tokyo. Officials from the two countries have held 12 rounds of discussions without reso” an official said.

The last round of negotiations was held during September 29-October 1, 2009 in Tokyo. Officials from the two countries have held 12 rounds of discussions without resolving basic differences, which are holding the agreement.

"India is seeking market access in Japan for its agricultural products and pharmaceuticals. Services are also of interest to India," said the official. Japan's tariffs for many agricultural commodities have remained high. Also, sectors such as oilseeds, dairy products, sugar and sugar products face higher tariffs there.