India-EU to discuss access to public procurement market under FTA talks in Aug

New Delhi, July 20 (KNN) It is likely that the sixth round of discussions on India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement (FTA) will be held in August, reported businessline.

The talks may include specific opening up of the public procurement market and granting of access.

Discussions would “factor in the provisions of public procurement order” (giving priority/preference to India-made offerings) and existing policies of MSME preferences, the Commerce Ministry has assured.

The Steel Ministry has been asked to prepare a list of goods and services, including construction services which come under the Ministry’s government procurement list.

The list will also cover requirement details of its central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) and sub-ordinate entities that are “not exposed to market forces”.

“In case there is any specific concern or issues on such inclusion, the same, along with appropriate justification, may kindly be communicated to this office (Commerce Ministry)....” the letter from a senior official of the Commerce Ministry states.

The Steel Ministry has also been asked to prepare the list, considering that trade negotiations on similar lines will be held with other countries including Canada, GCC nations, Israel, the US and Australia.  (KNN Bureau)