BIMSTEC hopes to finalise agreements on goods trade, customs cooperation by next year
The Hindu Business Line, September 06, 2018
The seven-nation regional bloc Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral (BIMSTEC) will finalise agreements on goods trade and customs cooperation, as part of the proposed FTA, by 2019. More…
Will electricity trade usher in a new era of cooperation in South Asia?
Business Standard, September 06, 2018
There is one element of connectivity between the South Asian nations happening on a modest scale. But it is not on the ground; instead it is on the wires, as electricity trade. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his counterparts arrive at Kathmandu, Nepal for the revived Bimstec Summit today, it is interesting to note that the seven countries forming the group have traded annually 19.8 terawatt hours (Twh) among themselves for the past couple of years. More…
China’s Belt and Road Initiative loses shine in South Asia
Asia Times, September 06, 2018
In 2013 the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping announced a grand economic and infrastructure project, now known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It was aimed to benefit the world economically by connecting consumers to markets and helping improve the movement of goods and services. More…
India: RCEP talks will go into next year
The Straits Times, September 06, 2018
India will continue with negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and is satisfied with the latest round of talks, where it has made significant gains, top officials said. More…