All systems go in India

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Concrete progress on long-awaited FTA expected to be highlight of PM Yingluck’s visit to New Delhi this week.

India’s “Look East” policy will be on full display with the visit of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra this week, as both sides look to expedite

Bangkok Post

various deals that have been in the pipeline.

“The visit by Prime Minister Yingluck is an important step that will help to push for a wide range of memoranda of understanding and agreements to be undertaken,” Anil Wadhwa, the Indian ambassador to Thailand, told the Bangkok Post.

Ms Yingluck will be the chief guest _ only one foreign dignitary is chosen each year _ at the country’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on Jan 26. The lavish event is broadcast live on most Indian television stations and comes on the final day of the premier’s three-day visit.

Topping both countries’ to-do list will be setting an agenda to complete the years-old process of sealing a comprehensive free trade agreement.

“Thailand is an important country to India, and that is one of the reasons why the government of India decided to invite Ms Yingluck,” said Mr Wadhwa.

The ambassador said other agreements were also likely to be announced. He declined to elaborate but said two potential pacts would deal with extradition and prisoner exchanges.

Other issues being discussed include a mutual legal assistance treaty, which has been enforced in criminal matters but needs to be adapted for economic cases.

The countries have also agreed on an agreement to end double taxation, which would require parliamentary approvals before being signed formally.

Still, it is the FTA that is seen as the centrepiece of the premier’s visit, given that talks have gone on for more than seven years.

“The target is to complete the FTA by…

Full story from Bangkok Post at http://goo.gl/xtz69