The Importance of the AITIGA JC Meeting: Highlighting India’s Role in ASEAN Integration
India’s participation in the 8th Joint Committee on AITIGA (ACTIG) meeting in New Delhi underscored its significant role as a trade partner, pivotal for 11% of global trade. From April 7 to 11, 2025, this high-profile event aimed to review and modernize the agreement, crucial for enhancing economic integration.
Key Details:
- Dates: April 7 to 11, 2025
- Host: Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
- Co-bradgers: Rajesh Agrawal (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry) and Sugumari S. Shanmugam (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia)
The meeting saw participation from over 80 delegates, including ASEAN nations such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Sub-Committees and Progress:
Four sub-committees met in New Delhi:
- SC-CPTF (Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation)
- SC-ETC (Economic & Technical Cooperation)
- SC-NTMA (National Treatment and Market Access)
- SC-SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary)
The remaining SC, SC-ROO, met in Jakarta facilitating discussions and groundwork for negotiations.
Significance:
- Trade Volume: India accounted for approximately 12% of global trade, with bilateral trade between 2023-24 reaching USD 121 billion.
- Economic Impact: The meeting advanced AITIGA’s review, promoting economic integration and fostering collaborations that align India’s interests with ASEAN needs.
Conclusion:
This meeting exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts in global trade agreements. As India continues to navigate its role as a regional partner, this event sets a precedent for future joint meetings aimed at enhancing partnerships and advancing economic growth. Stay tuned for updates on the next AITIGA JC meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.