Free trade pact: EU says ball is in India’s court.

New Delhi : European Union said it is keen to conclude the proposed free trade agreement with India but it is for the country to take the initiative.

The broad-based bilateral trade and investment agreement (BTIA) was discussed here during the meeting of Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and European Commission Vice President Joaquin Almunia. EU is keen on the agreement but “yes” ball is in India’s court as it has certain issues, Almunia told reporters here.

Sharma, sources said, demanded easy norms for movement of Indian professionals to EU and data security status for India.

Data-secure status is a big demand of India as its lack has prevented the flow of sensitive information to India, and it is viewed as a big deal for IT industry.

Source : freepressjournal.in