India, Argentina to intensify efforts to tackle trade barriers

(UNI) India and Argentina agreed to tackle trade barriers such as regulatory frame works, market access issues, high tariffs, visa and work permits. The issues came up for discussion at the 4th round of India-Argentina Joint Commission meeting in which visiting Argentine Foreign Minister Hector Timerman headed his side and Minister for External Affairs Salman Khurshid the Indian side. Mr Khurshid in a media statement later said the two sides had concluded comprehensive discussions on the entire gamut of their bilateral relations. They decided to meet regularly on identified issues to find lasting solutions to their bilateral trade impediments. During the discussions, the countries explored expansion of the scope of their trade and investments which presently does not correspond to its full potential. The bilateral trade at 1.83 billion US Dollars falls short of trade target of 3 billion US Dollars set up by two sides in October 2009 during the visit of the Argentine President. The External Affairs Minister said the Joint Commission meeting focused on several areas of bilateral relations including trade and economy; science and technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, market access issues, defence, energy and space. The two sides also exchanged views on regional developments and multilateral issues. 'I am glad that there was complete meeting of minds on all issues. 'The two sides agreed to expeditiously implement the decisions taken during the Joint Commission Meeting, and decided to strengthen ongoing cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, energy and mining with the understanding that intensified cooperation in these sectors is in our mutual interest,' Mr Khurshid said. UNI