New Delhi [India], Sept 28 : Minister for Commerce and
Industry, Suresh Prabhu, on Friday approved constitution of a High
Level Advisory Group (HLAG) to make recommendations in
identifying opportunities and addressing challenges in the
contemporary global trade scenario.
The HLAG will be headed by Surjit S. Bhalla, Director of Oxus
Research and Investments. The other members of the Group are S.
Jaishankar, former Foreign Secretary; Rajeev Kher, former
Commerce Secretary and Member Competition Appellate Tribunal;
Sanjeev Sanyal, Principal Economic Advisor, Government of India;
Adil Zainul bhai, Chairman Quality Council of India; Dr.Harsha
Vardhana Singh, former DDG WTO; Dr.Shekhar Shah, DG, NCAER;
Dr.Vijay Chauthaiwale, Foreign Policy Advisor; Dr.Pulok Ghosh, IIM
Bangalore; Jayant Dasgupta, former Ambassador of India to the
WTO; Rajiv K Luthra of Luthra&Luthra and Chandrajit Banerjee, DG,
CII.
“The HLAG will consider ways for boosting India’s share and
importance in global merchandise and services trade, managing
pressing bilateral trade relations and mainstreaming new age policy
making,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a press
release.
The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the HLAGare to examine the
prevailing international trade dynamics, including the rising
protectionist tendencies, particularly by the major economies, nonengagement
of some countries on outstanding trade negotiation
issues and commitments, including the Doha Development Agenda,
and their insistence on pursuing negotiating mandates, in many
cases prematurely and without efforts, to build consensus and
common understanding, the ministry said.
“The HLAG will suggest a way forward for India and provide options
for a balanced approach for the global community to build on
achievements thus far, in creating a conducive global trade
framework and move forward in a consensual manner that is
acceptable to the larger global community,” the ministry added.
The Group may consider possible approaches and suggest a
pragmatic framework for India’s future engagement in international
trade, and the manner in which it can play a proactive and
constructive role in working with the community of Nations in
exploring and building consensus on resolving emergent trade related issues.
The HLAG will meet regularly over the next two months and make
specific implementable recommendations in light of the ToR to
facilitate the formulation of future trade policies. The HLAG can also
invite special invitees whose inputs may be considered necessary.
Centre for WTO Studies (CWTOS), New Delhi will provide the
secretariat to the HLAG.
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