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EU for resolving 2 major trade issues with India bilaterally |
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09/09/2009 |
| The European Union (EU) is keen to resolve two commercial disputes with India bilaterally and amicably without resorting to a legal battle at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The first involves the seizure of Indian generic drugs in transit at some EU-based ports, which were bound for certain third world countries, on the grounds of patent infringement.
The second relates to levy of duties on foreign liquor by some Indian states, which the EU claims do not conform to international trade practices.
Both issues could lead to a full-scale legal battle at the Dispute Settlement Board under WTO, unless diplomatically resolved.
Enlarging on these issues, the European Union Trade Commissioner, Ms Catherine Ashton, said the EU would like to settle these issues outside the ambit of any international legal arbitration.
"Till now, India has not talked about any complaint (on the drug seizures) to us. There are only rumours. I would prefer to talk without going through that process (in WTO) as we have some ideas on it. My technical people have got some ideas. We are in touch with member-states about this too."
As for the levies on wines and spirits in India, Ms Ashton said, "We are not at the end of it yet, but we are talking. We wanted to get the legal team here before I came here. Mr preferred solution again is to work this out outside the WTO. Countries always have the right to go into the dispute settlement process. It is only at the back of our mind. Actually, I think, we might be able to sort this out."
She pointed out that India was an important trading partner of the EU and both were working towards deepening economic engagement through a duty-free trade deal involving goods, services and investment. |
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