EU-India Free Trade Talks Stall
Talks between the European Union and India on a bilateral free trade agreement may not be completed by the end of year as originally planned.
Indian and European officials say that while substantial progress has been made thus far, differences are beginning to emerge on several key areas, including services.
“Although goods have never been a problem area, services, intellectual property rights and government procurement are not the areas for hurried negotiations,” said Annette Grunberg, the European Commission's director-general of trade.
Both parties have said the deal will liberalize over 90% of merchandise trade.
Bilateral trade between India and the EU has grown sharply in recent years, reaching €55 Billion in 2006-2007, up from €28 Billion three years earlier.
