The Significant Achievements of India-Malaysia MoS Level Bilateral Meeting in New Delhi
In a significant milestone for both India and Malaysia, the Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Jitin Prasada, held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Liew Chin Tong, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry on 18th March 2025 in Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. This meeting marked the beginning of an important phase in the ongoing review of AITIGA (ASEAN India Trade in Goods Agreement), a critical agreement between both countries that has been on the table for several years. The meeting also focused on addressing key bilateral trade issues, market access challenges, collaboration opportunities in the semiconductor industry and service sector, as well as overcoming foreign manufacturers certification challenges.
Key Topics Discussed:
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Revising AITIGA Review: Both sides agreed to take necessary steps to speed up the conclusion of the AITIGA review by 2025, ensuring that its substantial conclusion is reached on time and smoothly.
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Market Access Issues: The meeting highlighted significant gaps in market access between India and Malaysia, emphasizing the need for further collaboration to enhance trade opportunities.
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Semiconductor Industry Collaboration: Both countries discussed the potential for closer cooperation in the semiconductor industry, with the aim of accelerating technological advancements and economic growth through shared expertise.
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Service Sector Cooperation: The meeting also focused on strengthening service sector collaborations, aiming to foster a more integrated business ecosystem that benefits both industries.
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Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS): Malaysia is an important partner for India in this scheme, which ensures smooth business operations and increased trade potential between the two countries.
Significance of the Meeting:
The India-Malaysia MoS level bilateral meeting marked a significant step towards resolving complex trade and economic issues. Shri Jitin Prasada’s role as the Minister highlighted his expertise and experience in facilitating such important meetings, while Mr. Liew Chin Tong brought invaluable insights into the challenges faced by Malaysia.
The meeting underscored India’s growing influence in ASEAN trade, with Malaysia being its third-largest trading partner. As part of this ongoing effort, the two countries aim to foster a partnership that will not only resolve current trade issues but also drive future economic growth and technological advancement.
Conclusion:
The India-Malaysia MoS level bilateral meeting in New Delhi was a pivotal event marking the beginning of an important phase in their relationship. Through focused discussions on key issues such as AITIGA review, market access, semiconductor collaboration, service sector cooperation, and FMCS, the two countries are making significant progress towards building a prosperous and integrated partnership. This meeting is not just about resolving trade differences but also about unlocking opportunities for mutual growth, opening doors for future collaborations, and advancing India’s economic ambitions.