Improved relations with India

Minister of Trade and Industry Trond Giske concluded his four days' visit to India and Nepal with political talks in New Delhi on Monday afternoon. Diskussions about trade agreements were central in all the meetings.

- We see that the industry needs additional assistance from the Norwegian authorities in India. Therefore, we prioritize trade agreement negotiations between EFTA and India, Giske said.

In a meeting with the Indian Minister of Trade and Industry, Anand Sharma, Giske emphasized that Norwegian and Indian companies have complementary expertise in many areas, and that increased cooperation will be of benefit to both countries.

- The meeting with Sharma was constructive. A trade agreement between EFTA and India will benefit both. To ensure better progress, we have now agreed to establish a bilateral commission, Giske said.

The meeting with Sharma was the last of six political meetings in India. After India, Mr. Giske travelled to Bahrain for talks with representatives of Norwegian industry in the region.

Facts about the trade agreement negotiations
• Negotiations between EFTA and India began in autumn 2008. There has so far been five rounds of negotiations.
• Next round of negotiations is planned for Geneva in November 2010.