Trade pacts with Japan, Malaysia in February.

Launching the ‘India Show 2011 today, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said India will sign two major market-opening pacts with Japan and Malaysia in February. The government recently concluded negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Japan and a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Malaysia.

“We will be signing the pacts in the next few weeks, in February for sure. The proposed free-trade agreement in services, a key area of interest for India, and investments with the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to be finalised by March,” Sharma said. "What we are seeking is to reach an early conclusion on an agreement in trade in services by March, that is the mandate."

The 'India Show 2011', a three-day business fair and India symposium organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India Brand Equity Foundation and the India High Commission in Singapore, has drawn a record participation of around 90 exhibitors from India. A wide range of Indian innovations right from Tata Nano to the spices, fabrics and wines of India were showcased at the fair.

Source : indianexpress.com