The Hindu : Joint group to study economic ties

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 09, 2002

Front Page

Front Page

Joint group to study economic ties

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE April 8. India and Singapore today agreed to set up a joint study group (JSG) to consider a Comprehensive Economic Agreement. The announcement came after a meeting between the visiting Indian Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, and his Singapore counterpart, Goh Chok Tong.

The group, to comprise both officials and business representatives and to be set up within 30 days, is expected to prepare a detailed report in a year. The Singapore Trade Minister, George Yeo, said the proposal to set the group came from Mr. Vajpayee and it was accepted "gladly'' by Mr. Goh. The group is to look into areas of trade facilitation, customs cooperation, intellectual property, financial cooperation, among other things.

During the talks Mr. Vajpayee thanked thanked Mr. Goh for the initiative taken by him to push through an ASEAN-India summit.

A senior member of the Prime Minister's delegation told this correspondent that terrorism was also discussed by the two. Both agreed to exchange intelligence information.

Soon after the talks, the two witnessed the signing of two MoUs — one on greater cooperation in the telecom sector and the second in the field of culture and heritage. As part of the second MoU, India has loaned Singapore 10 artefacts, including three stone sculptures of the Chola period. (The 10 artefacts were transported in the Prime Minister's special aircraft to Singapore yesterday).

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

Gujarat events `painful' but won't hit investments: PM

Joint group to study economic ties

Visit has nothing to do with bilateral ties: Pant

Seven killed in militant attack in Udhampur

Retired judge to probe attack on scribes

SC notice to PM

Not seeking deportation

Foodgrains for victims