Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement

Australia and India are in ongoing negotiations over the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) which is expected to provide a significant boost to two-way investment and further strengthen the bilateral economic relationship.

Independent modelling conducted in 2008 indicated that an Australia-India CECA could result in a net increase in Australia’s GDP by up to USD 32 billion (AUD 46 billion) and India’s GDP by up to USD 34 billion (AUD 49 billion) over a period of 20 years. The study concluded that resources, agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, software, telecommunications and education were the sectors likely to benefit most from a trade agreement enacted between India and Australia. Since the study was completed, these opportunities have only become clearer and larger

Agreement (CECA)

Formal negotiations for the CECA were launched in 2011, and were advanced in 2017 when former Prime Minister Turnbull and Prime Minister Modi renewed both countries' commitment to a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement.

The Australian Government is putting its weight behind enhancing economic ties with India. In 2018, the Government formally endorsed the independent India Economic Strategy and its ambitious vision for bilateral trade and investment by 2035.

Australia and India are involved in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership negotiations – an ASEAN-centred proposal for a free trade area that would initially include the 10 ASEAN member states and countries that have existing free trade agreements with ASEAN.

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