Austrade to investigate Indian business links

NATIONAL: Australian business development groups Austrade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) have called for the TCF sector to contribute to a feasibility study on the merits of forming a free trade agreement with India.

Wihile the terms of reference for the study are yet to be finalised, it is understood the study will examine the potential impact on the two countries of a FTA including implications for economic growth, trade in goods and services and investment, as well as what it terms as "other commercial linkages".

Austrade said it is interested in hearing from any Australian businesses who currently trade, or wish to trade, with India and those who have issues accessing the Indian market. Submissions are to be sent to the DFAT with further consultations taking place in Sydney on April 30.

The joint study is expected to be completed by early 2009.