The ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and the Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India met at the Seventh AEM-India Consultations in Bangkok, Thailand on 13 August 2009, and signed the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (TIG). The signing of the AIFTA Trade in Goods Agreement comes at an opportune time as part of the region's response over the growing concern of a global economic and financial crisis. The TIG Agreement is one of the key elements that will facilitate the creation of an open market in a region comprising about 1.7 billion people and with a combined gross domestic product of approximately US$ 2.75 trillion as of 2008. ASEAN-India investments reached US$ 5 billion in 2008.

Despite the challenges prevailing in global and regional trade, ASEAN-India bilateral trade continues to grow at impressive rates. From 2006-2008, trade in goods between ASEAN and India increased at an average annual rate of 28 percent, the fastest among ASEAN’s major trading partners. The share of ASEAN-India trade in relation to total trade of ASEAN and India continued to increase and India remains ASEAN's seventh largest trading partner. The Agreement is expected to come into force from 1 January 2010.

Companies are encouraged to attend this seminar to understand more about the changes and benefits introduced by the AIFTA and how companies can take advantage of it to expand the businesses. Please register by faxing the form below as seats are limited.

As seats are limited, members are encouraged to sign up for this seminar early to avoid disappointment.