Functions of the Division

The Division deals with Trade and investment issues related to Oceania Region in particular issues related to trade promotion, policy, negotiations for FTA/PTA & other related economic activities.

Oceania region comprises 14 countries namely Australia, Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Figures in US$ Million

India’s Bilateral Merchandise Trade (in US $ Million)

Data Source : DGCI&S, Kolkata

 

Institutional mechanism of engagement on Trade & Investment issues that exists between India and Australia are:

• India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission
• India-Australia ECTA

 

A mechanism of Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) between India and Australia has been in place since 1989. The Commission is co-chaired by the Indian Minister of Commerce & Industry and the Australian Minister of Trade.

The mandate of JMC, inter-alia, includes consideration of measures to strengthen relations between the two countries in all areas, particularly in the fields of commercial, economic, scientific and technological cooperation; raise issues of major importance to the relationship and discuss approaches to significant issues of common concern; indicate priority areas for further cooperation; examine the working of the various bilateral agreements in force between the two countries and of arrangement embodied in the Memorandum of Understanding etc.

The 18th India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) Meeting was held in New Delhi, India on 11^th March, 2023. Joint statement issued after the meeting is available at https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1906076

 

On 02 April 2022, India and Australia signed the India- Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (“Ind-Aus ECTA”). This agreement came into force on 29^th December, 2022.

The Ind-Aus ECTA is a balanced and equitable trade agreement, which will further cement the already deep, close and strategic relations between the two countries and will significantly enhance the bilateral trade in goods and services, create new employment opportunities, raise living standards and improve the general welfare of the peoples of the two countries. Overall, this Agreement is likely to generate additional employment and economic activities. Pursuant to the entry into force of the agreement, there has been significant growth in trade, which is expected to increase further.

The details of the agreement can be accessed from DoC weblink https://commerce.gov.in/international-trade/trade-agreements/ind-aus-ecta/

2. India- Australia CECA:The India-Australia CECA builds on the foundation laid by the India-Australia Economic and Cooperation Agreement (ECTA). The CECA envisages a deeper and comprehensive agreement, which is based on Article 14.5 of the Ind-Aus ECTA. Based on this provision, both sides have initiated negotiations with the first Round held in February 2023.

3. Bilateral Merchandise Trade between India and Australia:

Figs in US$ Million

Data Source: DGCI&S, Kolkata

4. Market Access Issues: The issues of pomegranate arils and fruits have been resolved recently. Both sides have also agreed to exchange monthly preferential data with each other. Further discussions are going on to resolve the MRA in organics, Okra, grapes etc.

 

1. Institutional mechanismof engagement for trade and investment between India and New Zealand is:

 

India and New Zealand entered into a trade agreement in 1986 with an aim to discuss the contours of a broader India-New Zealand economic dialogue to sort out the issues pertaining to trade between the two countries. The institutional machinery for the purpose created was the Joint Trade Committee (JTC). JTC had its 9th meeting held in 2007. The 10th Meeting of the India-New Zealand Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi on 24 June 2022. The JTC meeting is co-chaired at the level of Additional Secretary, in the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand.

(Figs in US$ Million)

Data Source: DGCIS, Kolkata

3. Market Access Issues: The issue of pomegranate arils has been resolved. Further discussions are going on to resolve the grapes and mangoes.

 

Smt. TarunaDoliya | Deputy Secretary

Room No: 315, Vanijya Bhawan New Delhi-110011

Name and address of Appellate Authority

Shri Tapan Mazumder I Additional Director General of Foreign Trade

Room No: 324, Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi-110011

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