India, Thailand to sign FTA by middle of this year

India and Thailand will sign a free trade agreement by the middle of 2012, the Prime Minister of Thailand, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, said on Wednesday.

Addressing a business conference jointly organised by industry bodies CII, FICCI and Assocham, she said: “I hope this free trade agreement with India will be in place by the middle of this year.’’

FTA is likely to be one of the main points of the discussion when she meets the Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh. The Thai premiere also pitched for broadening the pact by opening trade in services and investments.

Ms Shinawatra expects the bilateral trade between India and Thailand to double to $14 billion by 2014. She is in India as the chief guest for its Republic Day celebrations.

India, Thailand to sign FTA by middle of this year

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2831374.ece