New Delhi: Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal has urged African countries to unite for reforms in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and focus on key issues like food security, technology transfer and industrial policy.
Barthwal said at the India-Africa Conclave that an integrated approach is necessary to achieve reforms and improve global trade practices.
The Commerce Secretary said, “India and African countries have similar views and interests on issues of food security, agriculture, technology transfer and WTO reform. In a fragmented and protectionist global environment, it is important for both regions to remain united and pursue the essential priorities agreed in the Doha Development Round at the WTO.”
The Commerce Secretary offered tailored capacity building programmes to African countries in trade facilitation, promotion, finance, policy and negotiation through leading institutions in India, including the WTO Study Centre, Trade and Investment Law Centre and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade.
Read this also | WTO expects gradual recovery in global trade in 2024
India also plans to initiate discussions on a new free trade agreement (FTA) with South Africa, a key constituent of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Apart from exports, there is significant potential to expand India’s import basket from Africa. A study by the Commonwealth Secretariat suggests that 17 African countries can supply 129 unique intermediate products to India, which are currently sourced from less competitive suppliers.
Facilitating market access for these African products will benefit both India and Africa, and enhance trade opportunities and competitiveness.
India-Africa trade grows with new logistics plans
India exported goods worth $38.17 billion to African countries in FY24. Major destinations include Nigeria $3.6 billion, South Africa $8.71 billion and Tanzania $4.62 billion. Major products exported to African countries include petroleum products, engineering goods, medicines and pharmaceuticals, rice, textiles, electronic goods, etc.
The secretary also announced plans to share the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and the Unified Logistics Interface Portal (ULIP) with Africa to develop efficient logistics infrastructure and improve multimodal connectivity. These programs demonstrate how digital tools and infrastructure can enhance logistics efficiency and reduce costs.
The PM Gati Shakti Master Plan is an integrated framework designed to enhance logistics infrastructure and improve multimodal connectivity across India.
Read this also | India to leverage South Africa’s WTO case to ease EU food safety standards
Mint On May 5, it was reported that India plans to use a new case filed by South Africa against the EU’s stringent food safety rules on citrus fruits to lobby for a relaxation of standards that currently restrict a wide range of Indian food exports.
The EU’s stringent safety norms have significantly restricted India’s exports of chilli, tea, basmati rice, milk, poultry, bovine meat, fish and chemicals.
The World Trade Organisation’s 13th Ministerial Conference, held in Abu Dhabi in February, concluded without reaching a consensus on key issues such as agriculture and fisheries, despite an extra day of negotiations and intense efforts.
India, along with other G-33 members, had opposed linking public stockholding of grain to broader agricultural trade reforms, in order to preserve its right to support its agricultural sectors without facing legal challenges in the WTO dispute system.
Read more | India, South Africa oppose IFD proposal introduced by China-led group at WTO meeting
Get all the business news, breaking news events and latest news updates on Live Mint. Download Mint News App to get daily market updates.
MoreLess
