FTA with Indonesia being worked out
India and Indonesia are working on a proposal to clinch a free trade agreement (FTA).
"Bilateral trade allows you to focus more on specific needs of both the countries in terms of market access", an official said.
Trade with Indonesia touched $ 6.19 billion in 2006-07, a 41 per cent increase over 2005-06. This made Indonesia one of the largest trading partners among the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean).
In 2006-07, exports to Indonesia grew by 46.8 per cent to $ 2.02 billion and imports recorded a growth of 38.4 per cent to $ 4.16 billion.
Imports from Indonesia during April to December 2007 were around $ 3.48 billion, while exports were to the tune of $ 1.32 billion during the same period.
A major reason for India’s keeness on a bilateral FTA is because that country is fast becoming a source of raw materials