Free Trade Agreement India 2022-01-20
2022-01-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks to understand progress on a free trade deal with India, a market of over a billion consumers.
What progress has been made on a free trade agreement with India. India is one of the world's biggest and fastest-growing economies and is home to more than a billion consumers.
I visited India last week to launch negotiations with my counterpart, Minister Goyal, for an ambitious free trade deal. We are aiming for a broad and ambitious deal that delivers benefits for people across all four nations of the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on progress or timeline were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Press reports indicate that the Home Secretary opposes generous visa terms for Indian citizens in a UK-India trade agreement.
The Government's negotiating position on visa concessions and red lines will be clarified. Recent press reports suggest the Home Secretary would oppose such terms, while the Secretary of State has been willing to consider them.
From services and digital to investment and intellectual property, we are aiming for a broad and ambitious deal. We hope to reach an agreement by the end of this year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifics on visa concessions or red lines were not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Scotch whisky exports to India have declined due to high tariffs, and the UK can no longer deflect responsibility since leaving the EU.
The Government will confirm if removing tariffs on Scotch whisky exports to India is a priority. The industry has been waiting for measures from the Government.
The UK will put forward our position on reducing tariffs in the first round of negotiations. We aim to achieve a successful, mutually beneficial FTA.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific targets for tariff reduction were not provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The industry awaits clear measures from the Government on reducing tariffs impacting Scotch whisky exports to India.
What target has been set for reducing tariffs on Scotch whisky? Will it be half, more than half or complete removal?
It is important that the trade deal is mutually beneficial and includes reducing barriers such as tariffs. The hon. Gentleman would be surprised if I were to disclose details at this point.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific targets for tariff reduction were not disclosed
Would Be Surprised
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the number of negotiators available to work on a UK-India FTA, given previous losses from EU.
How many free trade negotiators does my right hon. Friend have in her Department? Are there enough or do we need more?
We have a fantastic team of experienced negotiators, including those who worked on the Australia free trade deal. We will continue to negotiate virtually or face-to-face as required.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific number of negotiators was not provided
Response accuracy